Cloud credits for startups (Google Cloud & Microsoft Azure).

Details

• Sources:
  • Google Cloud Startups: https://cloud.google.com/startup
  • Google apply (may require login): https://cloud.google.com/startup/apply
  • Microsoft for Startups: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups
• What it is: startup programmes with cloud credits + tooling/support
• Who it’s for: pre-seed to scale-up (conditions vary per programme)

What are “cloud credits” for startups?

Cloud credits are vouchers you use to pay (part of) your cloud costs (compute, storage, databases, AI services, …). They’re useful to fund your MVP, pilots or early growth without high fixed costs.

Google Cloud credits (Google for Startups Cloud Program)

According to the Google Cloud Startups page:

• Seed to Series A: up to $200,000 in cloud credits (up to $350,000 for AI-first startups).
• Pre-funded: $2,000 in credits to build your MVP.
• Series B+: further scaling with customised support & solutions.

How to get started

• Start at https://cloud.google.com/startup
• The apply link (https://cloud.google.com/startup/apply) may require a Google login.

Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits)

Microsoft for Startups mentions:

• Up to $150,000 in credits
• access to AI models, developer tools and technical resources
• support to build, scale and also sell faster (via Microsoft’s network)

How to get started

• Start at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups
• Follow the “Get started”/signup flow.

When is this relevant?

• You’re building a product that needs cloud infrastructure (web/app/SaaS/AI) and want to save runway.
• You want to experiment with AI/ML or scalable architecture without high starting costs.
• You’re pre-seed/seed and want to run pilots/first customers with limited cash burn.

Practical tips

• Estimate your biggest cost drivers (compute, storage, AI, data egress).
• Set budget alerts and quotas to avoid surprises once credits run out.
• Use credits intentionally: MVP → pilots → stability/monitoring → scale.

Links

• Google Cloud Startups: https://cloud.google.com/startup
• Google apply: https://cloud.google.com/startup/apply
• Microsoft for Startups: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups