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Overview
Our objective is to provide access to technical resources for every startup, with additional resources tailored towards startups demonstrating significant market impact using Azure. Below is a list of technical benefits available to startups in the Microsoft for Startups program:
| Category | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Azure | Startup credits | Startup credits can be applied to the Azure service stack, across select models hosted in Microsoft Foundry*, and for GitHub Copilot, Codespaces, Actions, and more. *Note: Third party models are not covered by Azure credits. |
| Azure Standard Support | Access to 24/7 Azure Global Support, normally $1,200/year | |
| Enablement | Dedicated point of contact | Provides you proactive technical guidance and helps you go-to-market with Microsoft |
| Technical Knowledge sessions | Expert-led technical trainings | |
| AI Infrastructure | Startup Cluster | Short-term access to industry-leading, interconnected Startup GPU Cluster, including GPU VMs like ND H100s and NDm A100s. |
| On-demand GPU VMs | Access to Top GPUs, long-term or spot | |
| Higher Quota Limits | Higher Quota with Azure OpenAI Service, the top model for startups | |
| Quota with ACA Serverless GPUs | Access to low-management Serverless GPUs in Azure Container Apps | |
| Azure AI Services | Access to Limited Access features for Azure AI services. | |
| Essentials | Microsoft 365 Business Premium | 50 seats / 1 year |
| GitHub Enterprise | 20 seats / 1 year | |
| PowerBI Pro | 10 seats / 1 year | |
| Visual Studio | 5 seats, until time in Microsoft for Startups Portal ends | |
| Extras | Power Apps & Power Automate | 10 seats / 1 year |
| Dynamics 365 Customer Service & Sales Enterprise | 10 seats / 1 year | |
| Dynamics 365 Team Member | 25 seats, until time in Microsoft for Startups Portal ends | |
| LinkedIn Premium Business | 1 seat / 75% off for 4 months |
Technical Benefits FAQs
What Azure services and Foundry models are covered under Azure credits?
Startup credits can be applied on nearly all Azure services and select first-party AI models in the Foundry catalog. See best ways to use your startup credits for extensive credit details.
How do I get access to higher quota limits on AI models?
We collaborate with the relevant Azure teams for all your resource requests. Follow the official guidance for requesting more quota. Next, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups portal, open a support ticket, and include the Azure support request number so that we can coordinate with the right teams. If you’re already working with a Microsoft for Startups representative, you can simply reach out to them for assistance.
How do I get access to serverless GPUs?
Azure Container Apps provides access to GPUs on-demand at a per-second billing, without you having to manage the underlying infrastructure. To get started, go to your Azure Container Apps Environment > Support and Troubleshooting and raise a support ticket for serverless GPU quota. Requests take 2-7 days for approval. If you're facing challenges, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups portal, open a support ticket, and include the Azure support request number so that we can coordinate with the right teams. If you’re already working with a Microsoft for Startups representative, you can simply reach out to them for assistance.
How do I get access to GPU VMs?
The availability of GPU VMs varies significantly across regions, at any given point in time. Get started by following the official guidance for requesting GPU VMs in the required region. If the GPU VM is in high demand and unable to be approved automatically, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups portal, open a support ticket, and include your Azure support request number so that we can coordinate with the right teams. If you’re already working with a Microsoft for Startups representative, you can simply reach out to them for assistance.
How do I get access to the Limited Access features for Azure AI Services?
Begin by submitting your official registration for the desired access. If your request is not approved automatically, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups portal, open a support ticket, and include the Azure support request number so that we can coordinate with the right teams. If you’re already working with a Microsoft for Startups representative, you can simply reach out to them for assistance.
Learn more about various Limited Access features including modified abuse monitoring and content filters, here.
How do I get access to expert-led events and learning sessions?
As the Microsoft for Startups team plans and schedules events, we’ll proactively reach out to startups in the program with invitations and opportunities.