OpenAI — OpenAI for Startups (partner-routed)
OpenAI does not run a broad self-serve credit program. Allocations are routed through partners: a business banking or spend-management relationship commonly unlocks around $2,500, while VC and accelerator partners can nominate startups for more. Direct applications without a partner relationship are rarely accepted, so the practical route is through whoever already banks or backs you.
What you need to qualify
- Nomination or referral from an accelerator, venture fund or fintech partner
- Pre-seed through Series A
- Company account and business email
Traps and exclusions
- No public self-serve application path in 2026
Before you submit
- Company domain email, not a personal address
- Live public website that describes a product, not a coming-soon page
- Company profile findable on LinkedIn, X or GitHub
- Incorporation documents and funding evidence to hand
- Confirm the company has not claimed credits from this program before, under any entity
Open official program page Check eligibility
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Other programs in this category
Three tiers. Start gives $2,000 self-serve. Scale covers 100% of usage up to $100K, then 20% up to another $100K. AI-First adds $150K on top, reaching $350K for AI-core teams.
The largest ceiling in the database. A small self-serve tier needs just a live product; six-figure tiers route through Activate Providers — accelerators, incubators, VCs. Credits cover third-party models via Bedrock.
Works across Azure, GitHub and other Microsoft platforms. Entry tier is self-serve, no funding needed — a real bootstrapped on-ramp. Top tiers need VC backing through Microsoft's investor network.