How to Apply to Microsoft for Startups

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 need before you start your application
• How to apply with or without an investor referral code
• What happens after you submit your application

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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 venture capitalist (VC) in Microsoft's Investor Network, you might 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.

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Before You Apply

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

• Valid personal Microsoft account with no prior Azure account
• Phone number
• Time zone (Microsoft uses your time zone to connect you with support in your region)
• Registered startup name (must match your legal documents) 
• Primary industry your startup serves 
• Website (if available) 
• Address information
• Payment information

Optional

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

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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.

Step 2: Sign In with Your Microsoft Account

You're redirected to the Microsoft sign-in page. Enter a personal consumer email address associated with a Microsoft account and follow the prompts to sign in. If you don't have a Microsoft account associated with the desired email, select Create an account to set one up.

Warning

Use a personal consumer email address for the sign-up steps. Work, school, and company-domain email accounts aren't accepted (for example, connie@contoso.com).

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Step 3: Apply and Verify

Note

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

On Apply for Microsoft for Startups, you're asked if you have an investor referral code.

• If you have a 10-character investor referral code, enter it in the field and select Next.
• If you don't have an investor referral code, select Continue without a code.

Apply without referral code

If you don't have an investor referral code, you can still apply by selecting Continue without a code on the application page. After completing this path, you continue to the Azure account creation steps shared by both paths.

Step 1: Build Your Startup Dashboard

After you select Continue without a code, you see a preview of the Build your startup dashboard. In the top-right corner, you see the Unlock $200 in Azure credits prompt. Select Verify with LinkedIn to sign in by using your LinkedIn credentials and start creating your Azure account.

Note

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

Apply with 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.

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.

Step 2: Verify Your Contact Email

Select Send code on the Verify your contact email modal. The system sends a verification code to your email address. Enter the code in the Verification code field, and then select Verify. The code expires in 10 minutes. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder or select resend code.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

Next, verify your phone number. Select Send code on the Verify your phone number modal. The system sends a verification code through a text message. Enter the code in the Verification code field, and then select Verify. If you don't receive the code, select Resend code to try again.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Information

After verifying your contact information, complete the Business information form. Provide the following information:

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

Important

The registered startup name and address must match legal documents for your business. Mistakes or mismatches can cause business verification to fail and delay your acceptance into the Microsoft for Startups program.

Step 5: Application Submitted

After submitting your application, you see an Application submitted confirmation page. Microsoft reviews your application and responds within three business days. Before you can begin building, you need to set up your Azure account.

Click Continue to Azure sign up to proceed.

Setting Up Your Azure Account

Both application paths converge here. Whether you applied with or without an investor code, you must complete a 3-step Azure account creation process to receive your $200 in starter credits.

Step 1: 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".

Note

You can't change your country or region selection later. If your country isn't listed, the offer isn't available in your region.

Step 2: Address information

Enter your billing address, and then 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 3: Payment information

Enter your payment information, including:

• Cardholder name
• Card number
• Expiration month and year
• CVV
• Billing address

Click "Save" to complete account setup.

Note

Your Azure Sponsorship subscription automatically converts to pay-as-you-go once your Azure credits are fully used or expired, whichever comes first. You pay only for what you use. There's no upfront commitment, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Step 4: Land on your Build Your Startup dashboard

When you create your account, you land on the startup dashboard. You see a confirmation tip in the top-right corner: "You've unlocked $200 in Azure credits." Your credits are immediately available, and you can begin deploying resources right away.

Note

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

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What Happens Next

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

• Application review: Microsoft reviews your application within three business days. You receive an email notification when a decision is made.
• Begin building immediately: Use your $200 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.

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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.