Does Microsoft offer free Azure credits for startups? Yes, Microsoft provides up to $150,000 in free Azure credits 💰 for eligible startups through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to unlock the full power of this Microsoft promo code through XRaise 🎉—from eligibility criteria to insider tips that help you stretch every dollar of your free Azure credits. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling fast, this walkthrough will help you make the most of one of the startup world’s most generous offers 💡📍 .
How to Get Microsoft Azure Credits
Getting your Microsoft Azure discount through XRaise is simple. Just follow these steps:
1️⃣ Go to the XRaise website
Visit our platform to access exclusive startup discounts.
2️⃣ Sign up for an account
Creating an account is quick and free, giving you full access to our database of tech credits.
3️⃣ Go to the Tech Credits page and search “Microsoft”
You’ll find the available promo code along with step-by-step instructions on how to apply it and activate your discount.
With just a few clicks, you can access a vast database of funding opportunities, including grants, tech credits, accelerators, and pitch events.
🌐 What is Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub?
If you’re a founder building in the cloud, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub could be a game-changer. This program isn’t just about free credits—it’s a full-stack support system designed to help you build, launch, and scale faster. Whether you’re validating your MVP or optimizing your backend with AI, Microsoft offers one of the most comprehensive startup ecosystems available today.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a global support platform that helps early-stage startups accelerate growth by providing:
- 💰 Free Azure credits to run and scale cloud infrastructure
- 🛠️ Access to GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio, and Microsoft 365
- 📈 Tools like Sales Navigator and LinkedIn Premium to grow your team and reach customers
- 🧑💻 24/7 Azure support and 1:1 technical advisory sessions
Unlike traditional accelerators, Microsoft’s Founders Hub is open to any startup with a registered legal entity—no funding or traction required to apply.
Key benefits for startups:
☁️ Build on enterprise-grade cloud with no upfront cost
🧠 Leverage Azure’s AI/ML tools for product development
📊 Enhance team productivity and growth with Microsoft ecosystem
🤝 Receive mentorship and training from Microsoft experts
How Much is the Azure Credits Worth?
Understanding the value of the Microsoft promo code goes beyond the headline number—it’s about what you can actually do with the credits. With up to $150,000 in Azure credits available, this offer can completely cover your backend infrastructure, power your AI workloads, and even support your DevOps pipeline without eating into your runway.
The Microsoft promo code for startups unlocks:
- 💳 Up to $150,000 in Azure credits
- 🧰 Access to the full Microsoft startup package (GitHub, M365, LinkedIn, Visual Studio, and more)
Here’s how the credit tiers typically break down:
🔹 $1,000 – for early-stage startups with a solid LinkedIn profile
🔹 $5,000 – after legal entity and domain verification
🔹 $25,000 – requires product demo and usage milestones
🔹 $150,000 – top-tier startups showing high Azure engagement
These credits apply to services like:
💾 Azure VMs, databases, storage
🧠 AI services (Azure AI + OpenAI GPT-4)
🧪 Kubernetes, DevOps, and app hosting tools
Eligibility and Tips to Maximize Your Azure Credits
Before jumping into the application, it’s essential to understand if your startup aligns with Microsoft’s requirements. This isn’t just a formality—getting this part right can make or break your chances of unlocking up to $150K in Azure credits💵. Many founders get tripped up here by small details like using a personal email or failing to show real product progress.
Think of this section as your startup’s first checkpoint. Nail it, and you’re on the path to accessing one of the most valuable cloud support programs in the startup world 💡.
To qualify for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, your company must:
✅ Be a registered legal entity
✅ Have received less than $10K in previous Azure credits
✅ Not be Series D or later
✅ Be developing an original software product (not a dev shop or agency)
✅ Be located in a region where Azure is available
Pro tips to maximize your benefits:
- 📧 Use a verified business domain email (not Gmail)
- 👤 Create a strong LinkedIn profile
- 🎥 Prepare a 10-min product demo video
- 📅 Plan your Azure usage strategy to improve your “Engagement Score”
- 🕒 Don’t activate credits until you’re ready to build
📈 Azure Plans and Pricing
The program is completely free for eligible startups. There are no fees or equity requirements.
Here’s what you get at each tier:
| Tier | Azure Credits | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,000 | LinkedIn profile + app idea |
| Level 2 | $5,000 | Legal verification + business email |
| Level 3 | $25,000 | Product demo + active Azure usage |
| Level 4 | $150,000 | High engagement + usage score |
Your credits are valid for 12 months from activation.
Who Should Use Microsoft Azure?
This program isn’t just for big teams with big budgets—it’s built for founders at all stages, from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned builders. If you’re working on a software-based product and looking for a powerful launchpad, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub gives you the tools and credits to accelerate.
Microsoft for Startups is ideal for:
🚀 Tech founders building cloud-based apps or platforms
🤖 AI startups using GPT-4, machine learning, or data analytics
🏢 B2B SaaS companies targeting enterprise clients
💡 Lean teams looking to save on cloud, email, and dev tools
Whether you’re pre-seed or Series B, this program can cover much of your infra and productivity stack—with zero cost upfront.
Best Alternative to Microsoft Azure
While Microsoft offers excellent startup support, you may also consider:
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Activate | 🌍 Wide global adoption, up to $100K credits | ⚠️ More complex onboarding, stricter criteria |
| Google for Startups Cloud | 🤖 Up to $200K credits, great AI tools | 🚫 Less business software (like M365 or LinkedIn) |
If you’re already using Azure tools or want strong enterprise integrations, Microsoft is the best fit.
FAQs
❓ Is the Microsoft promo code really free?
Yes, but it’s distributed in tiers. You must apply and progress based on usage and engagement.
❓ Can I stack this with other offers?
No, startups with over $10K in past Azure credits are not eligible.
❓ What happens when credits run out?
Your account moves to a pay-as-you-go model. Plan your budget accordingly.
❓ How long do credits last?
Each credit batch expires 12 months after activation.
❓ What is the “Engagement Score”?
Microsoft evaluates how deeply and actively you use Azure—the score affects your chance to unlock more credits.
❓ Can agencies or dev shops apply?
No, the program is for product-building startups only.
❓ Do I need to give up equity?
Not at all. This is a zero-equity program.
Final Thought
If you’re building a scalable product and want enterprise-grade infrastructure, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a powerful growth enabler 🚀. With up to $150K in free Azure credits, productivity tools, and AI integrations, it’s one of the most generous offers in the startup ecosystem.
Apply through XRaise to access your credits and join thousands of founders building smarter, faster, and leaner.
Claim your Microsoft startup credits on XRaise today 🚀.
