Microsoft for Startups (Azure Credits)
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub provides free access to Azure credits, development tools, and technical support. The program is particularly valuable for startups leveraging Azure OpenAI Service or other Azure AI capabilities for agent development.
Eligibility
- Privately held startup less than 7 years old
- Building a software-based product or service
- Not a subsidiary of a large company
- New to Microsoft for Startups program
How to Apply
- 1.Apply through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
- 2.Complete company verification
- 3.Describe your product and how you'll use Azure
- 4.Get approved and access your credits dashboard
- 5.Redeem credits as you build
Best Use Cases for AI Agents
- Azure OpenAI Service for GPT-4 and embeddings
- Azure AI Search for RAG implementations
- Azure Functions for agent orchestration
- Azure Cosmos DB for conversation state
- GitHub Copilot for development acceleration
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Azure free tier and Founders Hub?
Azure free tier is available to everyone with limited resources. Founders Hub provides significantly more credits (up to $150k) specifically for startups, plus access to technical mentorship and business resources.
Can I use Azure credits with Azure OpenAI Service?
Yes, Azure credits from Founders Hub can be applied to Azure OpenAI Service for GPT-4, embeddings, and other AI models.
How do credit tiers work in Founders Hub?
Credits are allocated based on startup stage. Early-stage startups typically receive $1,000-$5,000 initially, with opportunities to unlock more as you grow or partner with approved VCs.
Is GitHub Copilot included?
Yes, Founders Hub members get free access to GitHub Copilot, which can significantly accelerate AI agent development.
Up to $150,000 in Azure credits (varies by tier) · Application typically takes 5-10 minutes