Founders Hub is Microsoft's self-serve program giving startups Azure credits plus access to Azure OpenAI, GitHub, and Microsoft 365. It's unusually open. No VC, accelerator, or referral is required to start, and credits scale as you verify your business, up to the $100k+ investor tier.
Why this could be a strong fit
The most accessible entry point. Bootstrapped and pre-revenue founders can start instantly, and the bundled GitHub/M365/OpenAI access adds value beyond raw cloud credits.
What you need to qualify
- Building a software-based product or service
- Headquartered in a country where Azure services are available
- Basic tier: email verification; Enhanced tier: business verification
- Not headquartered in an embargoed country
- Investor/accelerator affiliation to access the $100,000+ tier
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global (no restriction)
How to apply
- 1
Sign up with an email
Start at the Founders Hub site (Basic tier, ~$1,000).
- 2
Verify your business
Complete business verification to unlock the Enhanced tier (~$5,000).
- 3
Add investor affiliation
Link a qualifying VC/accelerator to access $100,000+ in credits.
- 4
Activate benefits
Claim Azure credits, Azure OpenAI, GitHub, and M365 perks.