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How to Apply to Microsoft for Startups

Overview

Microsoft for Startups is a program built to help early-stage startups build, launch, and scale on Azure. This guide walks you through how to apply, including:

  • Eligibility criteria for the program
  • What you will need before you start your application
  • How to apply with or without an investor referral code
  • What happens after you submit your application

Note

You can begin building in Azure right away with Startup credits while your application is under review. Final approval may take up to 3 business days.

Eligibility Criteria

Microsoft for Startups is designed for early-stage, B2B startups that meet the following criteria:

  • Stage: Pre-seed through Series C funding
  • Business model: B2B startups building software, AI, or technology solutions
  • Product readiness: Working toward or already at MVP, with the goal of moving toward product-market fit
  • Privately held: Independent companies (not subsidiaries of larger organizations)
  • Compliance: Headquartered in a region where Microsoft for Startups operates

Tip

If you're working with an investor, accelerator, or VC in Microsoft's Investor Network, you may be eligible for higher-tier benefits — including up to $150,000 in Azure credits. Ask your investor for a 10-character referral code before you apply.

Before You Apply

To make the application process as smooth as possible, gather the following information before you begin:

For Personal Information

  • Preferred contact email (will be verified during the application)
  • Phone number (will be verified during the application)
  • Time zone

For Business Information

  • Registered startup name (must match your legal documents)
  • Primary industry your startup serves
  • Website (if available)
  • Registered business address

For Azure Account Setup

  • Country/region of your billing address
  • Personal address
  • Payment information (credit card details — will not be charged unless you exceed credits and move to pay-as-you-go pricing)

Optional

  • Investor referral code (10 characters, provided by your investor, accelerator, or VC if they are in Microsoft's Investor Network)

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft for Startups Page

Navigate to the Microsoft for Startups landing page. From here, click "Get started now" to begin the application process. If you do not have an investor referral code, you can also click "No invite code?" to learn more about applying without one.

Microsoft for Startups landing page with the Get started now CTA.

Step 2: Sign In with Your Microsoft Account

You will be redirected to the Microsoft sign-in page. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to sign in. If you do not have a Microsoft account associated with this email, click "Create an account" to set one up.

Microsoft Sign in page to continue to Microsoft Azure.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Path

On the "Apply for Microsoft for Startups" page, you will be asked whether you have an investor referral code. This is the branching point in the application process:

  • If you have a 10-character investor referral code, enter it in the field and click "Next." Continue to Path A: Applying With an Investor Referral Code below.
  • If you do not have an investor referral code, click "Continue without a code." Continue to Path B: Applying Without an Investor Referral Code below.

Apply for Microsoft for Startups: Investor referral code field with Next and Continue without a code options.

Note

Microsoft does not publicly share the list of participating investors. To request an investor referral code, contact your accelerator or VC directly.

Investor Code Path: Applying With an Investor Referral Code

If you have a 10-character investor referral code, follow the steps below. After completing this path, you will continue to the Azure account creation steps shared by both paths.

Step 1: Enter Your Personal Information

After entering your investor code and clicking "Next," you will be prompted to enter your preferred contact email, phone number, and time zone. This information is used to send updates about your application and connect you with regional support.

Personal information form: contact email, phone, and time zone.

Step 2: Verify Your Contact Email

Click "Send code" on the "Verify your contact email" modal. A verification code will be sent to your email address.

Verify your contact email modal with the Send code button.

You will see a brief loading state while the code is being sent.

Sending verification code loading state.

Check your email for the verification code, enter it in the "Verification code" field, and click "Verify". The code expires in 10 minutes — if you don't see the email, check your spam folder or click "resend code."

Enter your verification code modal for email verification.

You will see a brief loading state while your email is verified.

Verifying your email loading state.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

Next, you will be prompted to verify your phone number. Click "Send code" on the "Verify your phone number" modal. A verification code will be sent via text message.

Verify your phone number modal with the Send code button.

You will see a brief loading state while the text message is sent.

Sending verification code loading state for phone verification.

Enter the verification code from your text message and click "Verify". If you do not receive the code, click "Resend code" to try again.

Enter your verification code modal for phone verification.

You will see a brief loading state while your phone number is verified.

Verifying your phone number loading state.

Note

Both email and phone verification are required to continue. If a verification code expires before you enter it, click "resend code" to receive a new one.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Information

After verifying your contact information, complete the Business information form. You will need to provide:

  • Registered startup name (must match your legal documents)
  • Primary industry your startup serves
  • Website (if available)
  • Registered business address

Once complete, click "Submit".

Business information form with registered name, industry, website, and address fields.

Step 5: Application Submitted

After submitting your application, you will see an "Application submitted" confirmation page. Microsoft will review your application and respond within 3 business days. Before you can begin building, you need to set up your Azure account.

Click "Continue to Azure sign up" to proceed.

Application submitted: Next, set up your Azure account with the Continue to Azure sign up button.

Important

Both the investor code and no-code paths require setting up an Azure account before you can begin building. Continue to "Setting Up Your Azure Account" below.

No Investor Code: Applying Without an Investor Referral Code

If you do not have an investor referral code, you can still apply by clicking "Continue without a code" on the application page. After completing this path, you will continue to the Azure account creation steps shared by both paths.

Step 1: Land on the Build Your Startup Preview

After clicking "Continue without a code," you will be taken to a preview of the "Build your startup" dashboard. Notice the "Unlock $1,000 in Azure credits — Sign up" prompt in the top-right corner. Click "Sign up" to begin creating your Azure account.

Build your startup preview dashboard with the Unlock $1,000 in Azure credits Sign up prompt.

Note

Without an investor code, you go directly to Azure account creation rather than completing the longer application form. You will receive a set amount of Startup credits to begin building.

Setting Up Your Azure Account

Both application paths converge here. Whether you applied with or without an investor code, you will complete a 3-step Azure account creation process to receive your $1,000 in starter credits.

Step 1: Step 1 of 3 — Profile Information

Enter your profile information, including:

  • Country/region (must match your billing address)
  • First and last name
  • Email address for important notifications
  • Phone number

Complete the "Let's prove you're human" verification, then click "Next".

Step 1 of 3: Create your Azure account Profile information.

Note

You cannot change your country or region selection later. If your country is not listed, the offer is not available in your region.

Step 2: Step 2 of 3 — Address Information

Enter your billing address: address line 1, address line 2 (optional), city, state/province, and postal code. Review and accept the consent checkboxes:

  • Confirm you are the individual identified on this account and agree to the Microsoft Customer Agreement and Supplemental Individual User Terms
  • (Optional) Opt in to receive product news, tips, and offers
  • (Optional) Allow Microsoft to share your information with select partners

Click "Next" to continue.

Step 2 of 3: Address information and consent checkboxes.

Step 3: Step 3 of 3 — Payment Information

Enter your payment information, including:

  • Cardholder name
  • Card number
  • Expiration month and year
  • CVV
  • Billing address (will pre-populate from Step 2)

Click "Save" to complete account setup.

Step 3 of 3: Payment information.

Note

Your credit card will not be charged unless you exceed your $1,000 in credits and choose to move to pay-as-you-go pricing. Spending protection is enabled by default to prevent unexpected charges.

Step 4: Account Setup in Progress

After clicking "Save," you will see a "Setting up your account" loading state. This typically takes a few moments to complete.

Setting up your account loading state.

Step 5: Land on Your Build Your Startup Dashboard

Once your account is created, you will land on the "Build your startup, [Name]" dashboard. You will see a confirmation tip in the top-right corner: "You've unlocked $1,000 in Azure credits." Your credits are immediately available, and you can begin deploying resources right away.

Build your startup dashboard with $1,000 in Azure credits unlocked confirmation.

Note

Your credit balance may take up to 24 hours to fully update after account creation. Once your application is approved (typically within 3 business days), you will receive expanded program credits and benefits.

What Happens Next

After completing your application and Azure account setup, here is what to expect:

  • Application review: Microsoft will review your application within 3 business days. You will be notified by email when a decision is made.
  • Begin building immediately: Use your $1,000 in starter credits to deploy resources, test ideas, and explore the Azure platform.
  • After approval: Approved startups unlock expanded credits (up to $150,000) and the full Microsoft for Startups benefits package, including program support, tools, and exclusive offerings.
  • Add team members: Invite your co-founders and teammates to collaborate on your Azure subscription. See the "How to Add a Team Member" guide for details.
  • Explore the portals: Use the Azure Portal Guide and Microsoft for Startups Portal Guide to learn how to manage your account, credits, and team.

Need Help?

If you have questions or run into issues during the application process, the following resources can help:

  • For application questions: Visit aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal for program-specific support.
  • For investor referral codes: Contact your accelerator or VC directly. Microsoft does not publicly share the list of participating investors.
  • For Azure account or technical issues: Submit a support request through the Azure Portal once your account is set up.

For additional help, visit aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal.

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