AI credits programs for startups, compared

Which startup credits programs cover OpenAI or Anthropic models?

OpenAI and Anthropic credits pay for their own APIs, AWS Activate credits can pay for Anthropic’s Claude on Amazon Bedrock, Microsoft for Startups credits can pay for Azure OpenAI models, and Google Cloud program credits cover only Google’s own models. Neither OpenAI nor Anthropic runs an open application for API credits today. Both route credits through partner VCs.

• OpenAI. API credits through eligible VC partners, with a referral code from the VC.
• Anthropic. Up to $100K in API credits for startups backed by a VC in Anthropic’s partner network, claimed through the VC. Anthropic says Claude Startups credits work on the first-party Claude API only, not on AWS, Google Cloud or Azure.
• AWS Activate. Credits can offset charges for third-party foundation models on Amazon Bedrock, which include Claude.
• Microsoft for Startups. Credits cover Foundry models sold directly by Azure, which include all Azure OpenAI models. Anthropic models are not covered.
• Google for Startups Cloud Program. Credits cover Google models such as Gemini and Gemma. Third-party models, including those bought through Model Garden, are not covered.

How do the five programs compare?

The cloud programs publish their credit amounts and rules, while OpenAI publishes its application rules but no amounts or expiry, and Anthropic publishes only a maximum. Amounts below are the most each official page states, not what a typical startup receives.

Program	Most credits stated	Who qualifies	Covers which models	Expiry	Link
OpenAI for Startups	Not published	Startups backed by an OpenAI VC partner, with a referral code	OpenAI API	Not published	openai.com
Claude Startups (Anthropic)	Up to $100K in API credits through a partner VC	Startups backed by a VC in Anthropic’s partner network. The founder program is closed to new applications	Claude Startups credits: first-party Claude API only	Not published	claude.com
AWS Activate	Up to $200,000, or $200,000+ by invitation	Pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, AWS account on a Paid Tier Plan	AWS eligible services, including third-party models on Amazon Bedrock such as Claude	Each credit has its own expiration date	aws.amazon.com
Google for Startups Cloud Program	Up to $350,000 over two years for AI startups	Pre-seed to Series A funding from a known investor. A $2,000 Start tier exists for startups under 2 years old	Google models such as Gemini and Gemma. Not third-party models	Funded tiers run over two years	cloud.google.com
Microsoft for Startups	Up to $150K over time, up to $200K for eligible Investor Network startups	Privately held software startups, not yet at Series C, headquartered where Azure is available	Azure-billed Foundry models, including all Azure OpenAI models. Not Anthropic	Up to two years after activation	microsoft.com

What does OpenAI offer startups?

OpenAI offers API credits only through its VC partner network, and it does not publish amounts, expiry or a list of every partner.

• OpenAI’s startups page says credits and dedicated support come through eligible VC partners. It names Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins and Conviction Partners as examples of partner firms.
• The credit application asks for a unique referral code from your VC, a description of your product and how you plan to use the API, company and team contacts with a business email, and basic funding details.
• OpenAI also gives out credits at some events, such as hackathons.
• When the credits run out, the account switches to standard billing.
• Credit amounts and expiry are not published on the page.

See OpenAI, Startups.

What does Anthropic offer startups?

Anthropic offers API credits to startups backed by a VC in its partner network, and its Claude Startups founder program is not taking new applications.

• Startups backed by a VC in Anthropic’s partner network “may be eligible to receive up to $100K in additional API credits, claimed through your VC.”
• Claude Startups is Anthropic’s program for early-stage founders. The page says the current cohort is full and Anthropic is not accepting new applications right now.
• Members get access to discounts and credits worth up to $45,000 from companies building with Claude. These are offers from other companies, not Claude API credits.
• Claude Startups credits apply to the first-party Claude API through Claude Console. They can’t be used on AWS, Google Cloud, Azure or other third-party platforms.
• Expiry, the partner VC list and other eligibility rules are not published on the page.

See Anthropic, Claude Startups.

What does AWS Activate offer?

AWS Activate gives credits in three tiers by funding stage, and the credits can pay for third-party models on Amazon Bedrock, including Claude.

• Activate Founders, for bootstrapped or self-funded startups. Up to $5,000, starting with $1,000. Select participants may qualify for more, up to $5,000.
• Activate Portfolio, for pre-Series B startups. Up to $200,000. You need an Organization ID from your Activate Provider, such as an accelerator, angel investor or venture capital firm.
• AWS Credits for AI Startups. $200,000+ in AWS credits, by invitation only, for startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio. You talk with your AWS account manager.
• To be eligible for any tier, AWS lists pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, an AWS account on a Paid Tier Plan, and either new to Activate Credits or asking for more than you received before.
• The AWS Activate Terms say Activate Credits can offset AWS Marketplace charges for third-party foundation models on Amazon Bedrock. AWS offers Claude by Anthropic in Amazon Bedrock.
• Under the AWS Promotional Credit Terms, credits are valid for a limited time and expire on the date given when you receive them. AWS does not publish one fixed term for Activate Credits on its credits page.
• To apply, create an AWS Builder ID, choose your tier, describe your startup, link your AWS account and submit. AWS says you’ll hear back within 5 to 10 business days.

See AWS Activate Credits.

What does the Google for Startups Cloud Program offer?

The Google for Startups Cloud Program offers up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years for AI startups, and the credits cover Google’s own models, not third-party ones like Claude.

• Start tier. $2,000, for startups founded in the past 2 years with a working MVP, a clear business model and plans to seek venture funding soon.
• Scale and Scale AI tiers. $200K to $350K, for startups with verifiable pre-seed to Series A funding.
• AI startup terms. Year 1 gives 100% up to $250,000 in credits for AI-first startups, or up to $100,000 for others. Year 2 gives 20% up to an additional $100,000.
• The AI tier is for startups that use or plan to use Gemini as a foundation of their main product, founded within the last five years, with a pre-seed or seed round in the last five years or a Series A in the last 12 months. They must not have received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits already.
• Non-venture funding, such as private equity, bank loans, government grants, crowdfunding or friends and family, does not qualify for the Scale tier.
• Credits cover most Google-built Cloud products billed pay-as-you-go. Google says they cover models like Gemini and Gemma, but “third-party models are billed directly and are not covered,” and credits can’t be used on third-party products bought through Model Garden or Google Cloud Marketplace.
• To apply, you need a Google Cloud billing account ID, a business email that matches your website domain, and a live website describing your company. Google says most decisions arrive within 5 to 7 days.

See Google for Startups Cloud Program and AI startup program.

What does Microsoft for Startups offer?

Microsoft for Startups offers up to $150K in Azure credits over time, and the credits pay for Azure OpenAI models but not Anthropic models.

• Startups can get up to $150K in credits over time as they show verified progress, service adoption and sustained Azure usage. Startups backed by a Microsoft Investor Network partner may get up to $200K.
• Microsoft’s investor offer FAQ says most investor-backed startups begin with $100,000.
• Without an investor, Microsoft’s pages state different starting amounts. The FAQ says $2,000 for 90 days, then $4,800 for 180 days after business verification. The application guide says $200 in starter credits. Check the offer shown when you apply.
• To be eligible, your company must own a software-based product, be privately held and for-profit, be headquartered where Azure is available, not have raised Series C or later, and not have received more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits.
• Credits apply to Foundry models sold and billed directly by Azure. That includes all Azure OpenAI models. Models billed by third-party providers, including Anthropic, are not covered.
• You must activate credits within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. Once activated, they’re valid for up to two years, with no extensions.
• Apply at the Microsoft for Startups site. An investor referral code gives access to the investor offer. Microsoft says reviews take about three business days.

See Microsoft for Startups and Microsoft Learn overview.

For current rates once credits run out, see OpenAI API pricing and Anthropic API pricing, or estimate a monthly bill with the AI API cost calculator. For how credits show up on your bill, read how OpenAI and Anthropic API billing works. More notes on AI billing are on the ernd blog.