Microsoft for Startup

Question

How to apply for Microsoft for Startup.

Whatever I tried, it take me to Azure with msg built your startup. Nothing else.

Answer 1

I think Microsoft for Startups is applied by going to startups.microsoft.com, choosing Get started, signing in with a personal Microsoft account, and completing the Azure account setup shown on the Build your startup page, because that Azure signup flow is now treated as the application.

Answer 2

That behavior is expected in the current application flow.

If there is no investor referral code, selecting Continue without a code takes the application directly to the Build your startup dashboard preview, where the next step is Unlock $200 in Azure credits and Sign up to create the Azure account. In this path, there is no longer separate long application form before Azure account creation.

To apply:

1. Go to the Microsoft for Startups page and select Get started now.
2. Sign in with a personal Microsoft account.
   • Work, school, and company-domain accounts are not accepted for the sign-up steps.
3. On the investor referral code step:
   • If a 10-character investor referral code is available, enter it and continue.
   • If not, select Continue without a code.
4. If taken to Build your startup, select Sign up under Unlock $200 in Azure credits.
5. Complete the Azure account setup:
   • Profile information: country/region, name, email, phone, human verification
   • Address information: billing address and consent checkboxes
   • Payment information: cardholder name, card number, expiration, CVV, billing address
6. After account creation, the dashboard should show You've unlocked $200 in Azure credits.
7. Microsoft then reviews the application, typically within three business days. A decision is sent by email.

Important details:

• Setting up the Azure account is required in both paths, with or without an investor code.
• The credit balance can take up to 24 hours to fully update after account creation.
• If approved, expanded program credits and benefits can be unlocked over time, including up to $150,000 for eligible startups.
• The country/region selected during Azure account creation cannot be changed later.

If the goal is to get beyond the Build your startup page, the required action is to complete the Azure sign-up from that page. If there are application issues, program-specific help is available at https://aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal. For Azure account or technical issues after the account is set up, submit a support request through the Azure portal.

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References:

• How to Apply to Microsoft for Startups
• Getting started with Microsoft for Startups