Google's program covers Google Cloud and Firebase usage for early-stage startups, plus technical support and Google-wide startup perks. Standard startups get generous two-year coverage, while AI-first startups qualify for up to $350,000 total: the most generous AI tier of any major cloud.
Why this could be a strong fit
Best-in-class for AI/ML startups thanks to the $350K AI tier and access to DeepMind/Google Labs mentorship, with strong coverage of both early-scaling years.
What you need to qualify
- Company less than 5 years old
- Raised no more than Series A (within the trailing 12 months)
- Equity funding from pre-seed to Series A (SAFEs count; crowdfunding/angel/grants do not qualify for the Scale tier)
- Not a previous Google Cloud startup-program participant
- For the AI tier: AI must be the core technology of your primary product
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global (no restriction)
- Max company age
- 60 months
How to apply
- 1
Confirm your tier
Start (up to $2k), Scale (up to $200k over 2 years), or AI (up to $350k).
- 2
Prepare funding proof
Documentation of your equity round and company details.
- 3
Apply via the program portal
Submit the online form on the Google for Startups Cloud page.
- 4
Get verified
Google reviews eligibility and funding stage.
- 5
Redeem credits
Apply them to your Google Cloud billing account once approved.