Rise is Akamai Cloud's three-year startup program, which gives first-year cloud credits and then discounted cloud services in years two and three. Early-stage for-profit startups that show at least one sign of traction apply directly through an intake form, with no investor referral needed.
What you get
Between $500 and $120,000 in Akamai Cloud credits in the first year (in-kind, not cash), plus discounted cloud services in years two and three. Credits do not roll over month to month or into later years.
Who qualifies
Early-stage, for-profit company that is fewer than seven years old
At least one traction signal: paid employees beyond the founders, active users who are not friends, family or investors, initial revenue, or VC funding
A defined plan to scale infrastructure, with Akamai Cloud as one of your primary providers
New to Rise; existing customers are not eligible
Not eligible: managed hosting providers, MSPs, system integrators and resellers
Before applying, create a new Akamai Cloud account with a company-domain email and a valid credit card, and have a working website
How to apply
Create a new Akamai Cloud account with your company-domain email and a valid credit card
Complete the Rise intake form on the program page with details about your startup and cloud needs
Akamai evaluates the submission and sends a status update within two weeks; qualified startups are invited to a short call
After acceptance, credits are added to your Akamai Cloud account and a program coordinator sets next steps
Checked against Akamai's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
AWS Activate Credits
Amazon Web ServicesFor businessesNationwide
AWS Activate gives startups AWS promotional credits based on funding stage. Self-funded startups apply directly to the Activate Founders tier, and startups backed by an accelerator, angel investor or VC that is an Activate Provider apply to the Activate Portfolio tier with that provider's Organization ID.
What you get
Self-funded (Activate Founders): starts at $1,000 in AWS credits, and select participants may qualify for up to $5,000 (in-kind, not cash). Activate Portfolio: up to $200,000 in credits, but only with an Organization ID from an accelerator, angel or VC that is an Activate Provider. An invite-only AI tier offers $200,000+. Credits are subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms.
Who qualifies
Pre-Series B startup founded in the last 10 years
AWS account on the Paid Tier Plan
New to Activate Credits, or requesting more credits than previously received
Activate Founders (self-funded or bootstrapped startups) can apply directly
Activate Portfolio (up to $200,000) requires an Organization ID from an Activate Provider such as an accelerator, angel investor or VC firm
AWS Credits for AI Startups ($200,000+) is invite-only, for startups scaling after Activate Portfolio
How to apply
Create an AWS Builder ID with your professional email (or sign in) and complete your profile
Choose a tier: Activate Founders if self-funded, or Activate Portfolio using your accelerator's or investor's Activate Provider Org ID
Enter details about your product, funding stage and company profile
Create or link an AWS account to your Builder ID and submit; AWS replies within 5–10 business days
Checked against Amazon Web Services's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Cloudflare for Startups
CloudflareFor businessesNationwide
Cloudflare for Startups gives startups one year of credits for Cloudflare's developer platform and usage-based services, with core security and networking features included free. The amount depends on the startup's funding tier, and the two larger tiers require funding from a Cloudflare-affiliated partner.
What you get
Tier 3 (bootstrapped or self-funded, under $1M raised): $10,000 in Cloudflare credits for one year (in-kind, not cash). Tier 2 (under $5M raised, funded by an affiliated partner): $100,000. Tier 1 ($5M+ raised, affiliated partner): $350,000. Workers AI and R2 usage have per-tier caps.
Who qualifies
Incorporated no more than 10 years ago
Funded up to Series B; the page also lists 'Funded within the last 12 months', although Tier 3 is described as needing no minimum funding
Actively developing a technology product, with a live website and a public presence on LinkedIn, X or GitHub
For-profit business with a business email matching the company domain
First-time applicants only (one-time per startup); not existing Cloudflare enterprise customers
Tier 3 ($10k): bootstrapped or self-funded, under $1M raised. Tiers 2 and 1 require funding by an affiliated partner
Not accepted: educational institutions, personal blogs, consultancies, service agencies, MSPs and resellers
How to apply
Create a Cloudflare account and add a valid payment method
Submit the startup application form (Apply here) with your business email
Cloudflare reviews it, usually within 48 hours, and emails a confirmation once you are approved
Checked against Cloudflare's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Confluent for Startups
ConfluentFor businessesNationwide
Confluent for Startups gives early-stage startups free product credits to run Confluent Cloud's managed Apache Kafka and Apache Flink service for up to one year, plus expert sessions and office hours. A separate AI Accelerator runs twice a year for a few selected AI startups.
What you get
Free product credits for up to one year of Confluent Cloud, plus two one-hour expert sessions and biweekly office hours. This is in-kind, not cash, and the page states no dollar amount.
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups (the page lists no specific funding, age or size limits)
Confluent also works with partner VC firms and accelerators
How to apply
Apply through the program page: https://www.confluent.io/startups/#apply-now
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Databricks Startup Program (Neon and Databricks Credits)
DatabricksFor businessesNationwide
The Databricks Startup Program gives startups credits for Neon serverless Postgres and the Databricks Data + AI Platform. Self-funded startups get Neon credits, and VC-backed or accelerator startups can get larger combined Neon and Databricks credits.
What you get
Self-funded (under $1M raised): up to $1,000 in Neon credits. VC-backed ($1M+ raised) or accelerator startups: up to $200,000 in Neon and Databricks credits. Credits are in-kind, not cash, and last 12 months from acceptance.
Who qualifies
Self-funded track: early-stage startup with less than $1M in funding, building an early-stage product or MVP
Venture-backed track: VC-backed with at least $1M in funding, or in a recognized accelerator (for example Y Combinator)
Existing Neon or Databricks users can apply
Startups backed by Databricks' partner VC firms can also be nominated by their investor
How to apply
Fill out the startup program application (or ask your investor to nominate you)
The team reviews it and usually responds within a few business days
If you qualify, credits are applied to your existing or new Neon/Databricks account
Checked against Databricks's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Datadog for Startups
DatadogFor businessesNationwide
Datadog for Startups gives early-stage companies up to a year of free access to the full Datadog monitoring and security platform, worth up to $100,000 in credits. Every applicant must be referred by one of Datadog's partners, which include VCs and other vendors' startup programs.
What you get
One year of the full Datadog platform, up to $100,000 in credits (in-kind, not cash). Requires a partner referral; there is no self-serve tier.
Who qualifies
Series A or earlier
Must apply through an official referral partner; the application dropdown lists them, including many VCs and hyperscaler and other vendor startup programs
New to Datadog: not a current or past customer and has not received Datadog for Startups credits before
Direct applications without a referral are not accepted
How to apply
Get a referral from a Datadog for Startups partner (your investor, accelerator or a vendor startup program you belong to)
Submit the application with details about your team, selecting your referral partner
While it is reviewed (typically 3–5 business days), set up a Datadog trial account in the correct region
When you get the acceptance email, confirm credit activation within 30 days
Checked against Datadog's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
DigitalOcean Startups (Hatch)
DigitalOceanFor businessesNationwide
DigitalOcean Startups, formerly called Hatch, gives startups 12 months of DigitalOcean cloud credits plus perks, and prioritizes AI-native startups. Startups backed by a partner VC, incubator or accelerator get their award level through that partner, and others can apply directly by choosing 'Other'.
What you get
12 months of DigitalOcean credits; the page says the amount varies and is set in your onboarding email (in-kind, not cash). Use is generally capped at $10,000 a month. Core credits do not cover GPU Droplets; selected startups may be invited to apply for separate GPU credits.
Who qualifies
Must have raised $10 million or less
Must have a company website and an email address on the company domain
Must create a new DigitalOcean team account with a business email and a valid credit card
For startups that have not used prior DigitalOcean credits
AI-native startups are prioritized; service-based startups (consulting, web/app development services, marketing agencies) are not eligible
No VC or accelerator affiliation is required (select 'Other' in the application)
How to apply
Create a new DigitalOcean team account using your company-domain email and a valid credit card
If you are in a partner VC, incubator or accelerator, ask your program manager about eligibility and award level
Otherwise, fill out the application form and select 'Other' as your affiliated partner organization
Once accepted, access your perks through the Welcome Kit
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
ElevenLabs Startup Grants
ElevenLabsFor businessesNationwide
ElevenLabs Grants give early-stage startups building voice AI products 12 months of free access to the ElevenLabs platform, including text to speech, speech to text and conversational AI agents. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and ElevenLabs replies within one week.
What you get
12 months of the ElevenLabs platform free: 33,000,000 characters (over 680 hours of Agents usage), which ElevenLabs values at more than $5,500 (in-kind, not cash).
Who qualifies
Startups or companies with fewer than 25 employees when applying
Must have a business or monetization strategy and a valid business email
Long-term products only; no short-term or one-off projects
No projects built for children 18 or under
Agencies, consulting firms and (traditional) SMBs are not eligible; existing enterprise customers are not eligible
One application per company
How to apply
Submit the grant application from the ElevenLabs Startup Grants page using a business email
ElevenLabs tells you within one week whether you're accepted
Once awarded, the grant plan and credits are applied to the account you applied with
Checked against ElevenLabs's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Google CloudFor businessesNationwide
The Google for Startups Cloud Program gives startups Google Cloud credits, which also cover Google models such as Gemini, plus training and other perks. Early startups without venture funding can get the Start tier, and startups with institutional pre-seed to Series A funding can get the Scale tier, which pays more to AI-first startups.
What you get
Start tier (no venture funding needed): up to $2,000 in Google Cloud credits, valid for one year (in-kind, not cash). Scale tier (VC-funded, pre-seed to Series A): up to $200,000 over two years, or up to $350,000 for AI-first startups. Credits do not cover third-party models.
Who qualifies
Start tier: technology startup founded within the last 24 months, with a working MVP and plans to seek venture funding soon, that has not yet received Google Cloud credits beyond the free trial
Scale tier: pre-seed/seed round within the last 5 years or Series A within the last 12 months, founded within the last 5 years, with no more than $5,000 in prior Google Cloud credits
Scale requires institutional or VC equity funding (SAFEs count); angel, friends-and-family, crowdfunding, prize and government grant funding do not qualify for Scale
Business email must match an active company website, and you need a Google Cloud billing account ID
Not eligible: nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions, dev shops, consultancies, agencies, crypto-mining companies, and companies that have IPO'd or been acquired
How to apply
Get your 18-character Google Cloud billing account ID, owned by a user with your company email domain
Make sure you have a business email that matches your active company website
Apply on the program page, choosing the billing account that should receive the credits
Google emails you about your application; credits go to the selected billing account once you are approved
Checked against Google Cloud's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree or discounted software
JetBrains Startup Program
JetBrainsFor businessesNationwide
The JetBrains Startup Program gives young startups 50% off JetBrains developer tools, team tools and JetBrains AI subscriptions for up to five years. Startups in a JetBrains partner incubator, accelerator or VC get six months free first.
What you get
50% off up to 10 IDE subscriptions, 10 paid team or learning tool subscriptions and 10 JetBrains AI subscriptions, for up to five years. Partner-affiliated startups get six months free first. This is a discount, not cash.
Who qualifies
Company is privately owned
Can show the company was established within the last five years
Has a website or other discoverable online presence
Each organization can get the discount only once (not extended to subsidiaries)
Startups in a JetBrains Partner Program organization should use those partner benefits (six months free, then 50% off) first
How to apply
Click 'Apply for Startup Program' on the JetBrains Startups page and include your website and proof of company age
JetBrains reviews applications within 48 hours
If accepted, you get an acceptance email followed by a quote for the products
Checked against JetBrains's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Microsoft for Startups
MicrosoftFor businessesNationwide
Microsoft for Startups gives software startups Azure credits, AI tools, technical guidance and go-to-market support through a single application. Startups without an investor start with a smaller Azure credit offer and can unlock more credits over time, while startups backed by a Microsoft for Startups Investor Network partner get larger benefits earlier.
What you get
Without an investor: $1,000 in Azure credits for 90 days, then an additional $4,000 for 180 days after business verification (in-kind, not cash). Up to $150,000 in Startup credits can unlock over time as the startup shows verified progress and sustained Azure usage. Investor Network-backed startups typically start with $100,000. Credits must be activated within 90 days and last up to two years.
Who qualifies
Develops a software-based product or service owned by the company
Privately held and for-profit
Headquartered in a country where Azure services are available
Has not received more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits and has not raised Series C or later
Not an educational institution, government organization, consultancy or agency, and not involved in cryptocurrency mining
Larger investor benefits need a referral code from a partner investor, accelerator, incubator, angel network or university
A credit card is required to activate Azure credits
How to apply
Go to startups.microsoft.com, select Get started and submit the application
If you have a referral code from a Microsoft for Startups Investor Network partner, enter it during the application
Wait for the email decision, typically within three business days
Once approved, set up your Azure account and activate your credits in the Azure Portal within 90 days
Checked against Microsoft's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
MongoDB for Startups
MongoDBFor businessesNationwide
MongoDB for Startups gives early-stage startups MongoDB Atlas credits, Voyage AI tokens, technical expertise and support, in tiers that grow with the startup's stage. Startups can be referred by a partner VC or accelerator, or apply directly on the program page.
What you get
Atlas credits in four tiers (Inspire for bootstrapped startups, then Grow, Innovate and Scale) plus Voyage AI tokens (in-kind, not cash). The page states no dollar amounts. You have 12 months to activate the promo code and 12 months to use the credits once activated.
Who qualifies
Early-stage: less than 7 years old and Series A or earlier
Focused on a single software-based product or service; development shops and agencies are not eligible
Not previously accepted into MongoDB for Startups
Active company website and LinkedIn profile
New and existing MongoDB Atlas users can apply; bootstrapped startups can apply directly without a VC or accelerator
How to apply
If you are in a VC, accelerator or incubator, ask that partner to refer you
Otherwise, submit the Apply Now form on the program page (company email, LinkedIn, company URL, HQ country, ZIP code and funding stage)
Once accepted, get your unique promo code in the welcome email
As an Atlas Organization Owner or Billing Admin, click Apply Code in your Atlas organization within 12 months
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Apply any timeFree or discounted software
NVIDIA Inception
NVIDIAFor businessesNationwide
NVIDIA Inception is a free membership program for AI startups that offers preferred pricing on select NVIDIA hardware and software, free cloud credits from NVIDIA and partners, technical training and possible introductions to investors. There are no application fees, deadlines or cohorts.
What you get
Free membership with preferred pricing on select NVIDIA hardware and software and access to free cloud credits from NVIDIA and partners. The page states no dollar amounts for the credits or discounts.
Who qualifies
Officially incorporated and less than 10 years old
Working website and a clear use case for NVIDIA technology
Actively operated by at least one founder
Any funding stage; revenue is not required
Not eligible: consulting and outsourced development firms, cryptocurrency-related companies, cloud service providers, resellers and distributors, and public companies
How to apply
Submit the application on the Inception page with details about your business and products, your incorporation date and a company pitch deck
If the form shows a maintenance notice, leave your contact details there and NVIDIA will follow up
NVIDIA reviews your application and contacts you; then keep your profile up to date in the Inception portal to stay eligible for benefits
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Pinecone for Startups
PineconeFor businessesNationwide
Pinecone for Startups gives early-stage startups free access to Pinecone's Standard tier vector database and Pro Support, plus usage credits and discounts. Startups apply through the program page.
What you get
Free access to Pinecone's Standard Tier and Pro Support, plus usage credits and discounts. This is in-kind, not cash, and the page states no dollar amount.
Who qualifies
Fewer than 100 employees
Series A or earlier
How to apply
Apply through the program page: https://www.pinecone.io/startup-program/
Checked against Pinecone's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or services
Vercel for Startups
VercelFor businessesNationwide
Vercel for Startups gives eligible startups a one-year Enterprise-tier contract with a Flexible Commitment Amount that can be spent on Vercel usage, including compute, data transfer, AI Gateway and v0. Startups must be affiliated with an approved Vercel Startups Partner, such as an accelerator or VC firm.
What you get
Flexible Commitment Amount of up to $30,000 for one year (in-kind, not cash), which varies by partner arrangement. No more than half of each month's credit can go to AI Gateway usage. Requires partner affiliation; there is no self-serve tier.
Who qualifies
Affiliated with an approved Vercel for Startups partner (typically accelerators and VC firms), with proof such as a partner dashboard screenshot
Raised a Series A or less, and applying within 12 months of the most recent funding round
Has not previously received Vercel for Startups credits
Company website with a matching email address
A valid payment method must be on file for credits to activate
How to apply
Fill out the application form on the Vercel startups credits page with your email and a Vercel team (select or create one)
Choose your startup partner and upload proof of partnership
Vercel reviews the application within 5–7 days; if approved, accept the Flexible Commitment for Startups Terms by email
Add a valid payment method; credits and Enterprise access go live within 5–7 business days
Checked against Vercel's own page on October 16, 2026.
Check datesFree credits or services
Claude Startups Program
AnthropicFor businessesNationwide
Claude Startups is Anthropic's program for early-stage founders building on Claude, offering partner discounts and credits, office hours with Anthropic's Applied AI team and events. The current cohort is full, and Anthropic is not accepting new applications right now.
What you get
Members get discounts and credits worth up to $45,000 from companies building with Claude. Startups backed by a VC in Anthropic's partner network may get up to $100,000 in API credits through that VC. Credits are in-kind, not cash. Not accepting applications now.
Who qualifies
Early-stage founders building on Claude
Additional API credits are only for startups backed by a VC in Anthropic's partner network, claimed through that VC
Program credits apply only to the first-party Claude API through Claude Console, not AWS, Google Cloud or Azure
How to apply
Applications are closed; subscribe to the Claude Startup newsletter on the program page to hear when the next cohort opens
If a VC in Anthropic's partner network backs you, ask that VC about claiming API credits
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Every program here was checked against the provider's own website on the date shown on its card. Offers change, so confirm the details on the program page before you apply. GrantFinder isn't affiliated with these companies.