Microsoft for Startups Investor Network FAQs

What is the purpose of a referral-code system in the Microsoft for Startups program?

It's now standard industry practice to supply referral codes for unlocking partner benefit programs. By adopting a referral-code system we're working to streamline the referral process, making it easier for investors to connect their startups with the resources and support offered by the Microsoft for Startups program. Each code uniquely identifies the referral is coming from their investor and ensures that the startup receives the appropriate benefits.

How do I obtain a referral code to share with a startup?

Investors must be part of the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network to receive a referral code. As an investor, you receive referral codes directly from your primary point of contact at Microsoft for Startups. These codes can be shared with the startups actively engaged in your portfolio or program. If you don't receive your referral code, need an updated code, or if your code doesn't function as expected, reach out to your Microsoft for Startups contact or InvestorNetworkSupport@microsoft.com.

Which startups are eligible for the program?

As a code provider to your startups, you must ensure they fit the eligibility requirements for the program, which are as follows:

• Startup is 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.
• Startup received fewer than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits.
• Startup is headquartered in a country where Azure services are available.
• Startup didn't raise Series C funding.
• Startup is privately held.
• Startup is a for-profit business.
• Startup isn't an educational institution, government organization, personal blog, development shop, consultancy, agency, or involved in bitcoin or crypto mining.

What should a startup do once they receive a referral code?

Startups should visit the Microsoft for Startups website and enter the referral code during the application process. This links their application to a specific investor, ensuring they receive the benefits associated with the program.

Are there any limitations on the number of referral codes I can use?

Yes. Your code has a number relevant to your portfolio or program size.

What benefits do startups receive when referred through a code?

Startups receive Azure credits, access to on-demand GPU VMs, access to Azure technical experts and standard Azure support, go-to-market support, and discounts or free access to products like GitHub Enterprise, Linkedin Premium, M365 Business Premium, Microsoft Clarity, Visual Studio Enterprise, Microsoft Dynamics, and Microsoft Power Platform. Click here to learn more.

What should I do if a startup encounters issues with their referral code?

If a startup encounters any issues with their referral code, try providing them with another code. Additionally inform your Microsoft for Startups contact or email InvestorNetworkSupport@microsoft.com.

Can I track which startups have used my referral code?

Yes. Microsoft for Startups will periodically provide visibility into which startups have activated your referral code. You can request a summary from your Microsoft for Startups contact as needed.

Is there a deadline for startups to use the referral code once it's shared?

Yes, referral codes are typically time-bound. Codes assigned will have an expiration date communicated when issued. Make sure your referred startups apply before that date to be eligible for program benefits. If your referral code has expired reach out to your contact or email InvestorNetworkSupport@microsoft.com for an updated referral code.

How should I promote the referral code to our portfolio?

As a referral partner, you're entrusted with a unique code that connects your portfolio of startups to Microsoft for Startups benefits. It's important to treat this code as a strategic asset—sharing it intentionally and thoughtfully. We recommend distributing the code directly to startups within your active or alumni portfolio through controlled channels such as personal emails, private newsletters, or one-on-one outreach. Avoid posting the code publicly or in open forums to help preserve its integrity and ensure it's used only by startups on your cap table.

For any more questions or inquiries, get in touch with your Microsoft contact or InvestorNetworkSupport@microsoft.com. Expect a response within 1-2 business days.

How can the startups in my portfolio increase their Azure credits once they join Microsoft for Startups?

Investor-backed startups can increase their Azure credit allocation by demonstrating active usage of key services that support secure, scalable, and resilient cloud architecture. A startup is eligible for their max credit offer once they spend $100 USD or more in a single month on any combination of the following services:

• Azure Monitor A comprehensive observability platform that helps you understand the performance and health of your applications and infrastructure. Azure Monitor enables you to detect issues early, reduce downtime, and optimize performance—critical for startups moving fast and scaling quickly.
• Log Analytics A powerful tool for querying and analyzing log data from across your environment. It helps you troubleshoot issues, identify trends, and make informed decisions based on real-time operational insights.
• Application Insights Designed for developers, Application Insights provides deep diagnostics and telemetry for your applications. It helps you detect anomalies, understand user behavior, and continuously improve your product experience.
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud A unified security management solution that strengthens your security posture. It provides threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and actionable recommendations to help you protect your workloads from evolving threats.
• Microsoft Sentinel A scalable, cloud-native security information, and event management (SIEM) solution. Sentinel helps you detect, investigate, and respond to threats across your entire environment—ideal for startups building secure-by-design systems.
• Microsoft Purview A unified data governance and compliance platform that helps you manage sensitive data, meet regulatory requirements, and reduce risk. As your startup grows, Purview ensures your data practices scale with you.

These services are essential for building a well-architected solution on Azure. We will monitor usage and increase a startup's Azure credit offer after validating that the criteria are met, which may take up to 30 days to reflect in the Azure portal. For more information, click here.