Applying to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a benefits program to help startups radically accelerate innovation. Free and open to all - this program provides access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and the essential technology needed to build a future-proofed startup. Apply in minutes. No funding required.
Video: How to Apply to Founders Hub
Eligibility criteria
To apply for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub your startup must meet the following criteria:
- Engaged in the development of a software-based product or service that is a core part of your current or intended business. The software must be owned and not licensed from another party.
- Your startup received less than $10,000 in free Azure credits.
- Your headquarters is in one of the countries covered by Azure.
- Your startup hasn't gone through a Series D or later funding round.
- Your startup is privately held.
- Your startup is a for-profit business.
- Your startup isn't an educational institution, government entity, personal blog, dev shop, consultancy, agency, bitcoin, or crypto mining company.
Every startup accepted into Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is granted an initial Azure credit offer of $1,000, $5,000 or $25,000 USD. The credit offer amount is determined by your application details, but the final decision is at the discretion of the Microsoft for Startups program.
Application process
Apply using your LinkedIn account. A LinkedIn account is required to apply to the Microsoft Startups program.
Choose the appropriate development stage
You can apply for the Microsoft for Startups program whether you're an established startup or in the initial ideation stage. You can apply whether you're self-funded or not yet incorporated, if your idea meets the basic eligibility criteria.
During the application process, you are asked to choose the stage that best describes your startup's current state.
- Concept design - You're at the very beginning of your startup journey. You're refining your idea and validating your solution by talking to potential users and industry experts.
- Prototyping - You have already gone through some idea validation and are now beginning to build a wireframe or a prototype to continue user testing.
- Building MVP - You know your solution has value and you're developing a minimally viable product (MVP). Your MVP should be more advanced than your prototype and have enough features planned to make it a functioning solution for potential customers.
- MVP in market - You launched your MVP. You're focused on shipping features and still working on acquiring paying customers.
- Established market - You have a mature product in the market and have a base of paying customers. You're ready to focus on scaling your company.
Review and evaluation
On average, it takes three business days to review an application. Response times may be delayed if information in the application needs to be verified. You are be notified as soon as a decision is made.
Initial Azure credit offer eligibility criteria
Every startup accepted into Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is granted an initial Azure credit offer of $1,000, $5,000 or $25,000 USD. The credit offer amount is determined by your application details, but the final decision is at the discretion of the Microsoft for Startups program.
Here's the basic criteria for initial Azure credit offer amounts:
$1,000 USD of Azure credits
- Your LinkedIn profile is updated and verified.
- You clearly describe your startup's software solution.
$5,000 USD of Azure credits
- Your startup meets all of the above criteria.
- Your startup's incorporation or legal entity status is verified.
$25,000 USD of Azure credits
- Your startup meets all of the above criteria.
- Your startup's domain is verified.
- Your business contact email matches your website domain.
- You provided a product demo video.
As you grow, you may be eligible for more Azure credits. The Get More Benefits page provides detail on how to unlock more credits, including eligibility requirements for $150,000 USD in Azure credits.