Microsoft for Startups verification failed – unable to verify my startup

Question

Hi Microsoft Team,

I applied for the Microsoft for Startups program and completed the startup verification process. However, when I check the status in the Azure portal, I receive the following message:

“We couldn’t verify your startup. We’ll switch you to a pay-as-you-go subscription once your remaining Azure credits run out or expire.”

My startup is a legally registered private limited company in India, and I have valid company incorporation and tax documents.

I would like to understand why the startup verification failed and what information or documentation is required to complete the verification successfully.

Could you please advise how I can appeal/re-submit the verification or contact the appropriate Microsoft for Startups support team to resolve this issue?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Your incorporation and tax filings prove the company exists, but that isn't what verification is checking. The published criteria are about what the company is and does:

"Develop a software-based product or service that is owned by your company. Be privately held and for-profit. Be headquartered in a country where Azure services are available. Not have received more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits. Not have raised Series C funding or later. Not be an educational institution, government organization, consultancy, or agency. Not be involved in cryptocurrency mining."

Two of those are worth looking at honestly. The product has to be owned by your company rather than built for clients, and consultancies and agencies are excluded outright. A lot of registered software companies are actually services businesses, so it's worth checking that before assuming the problem is documentation.

On appealing or resubmitting, there's no published guidance. The documentation doesn't describe what happens after a failed verification.

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