Microsoft for Startups partner information
Learn about partnering with Microsoft for Startups, access marketing materials, and discover how we can support your startup community.
Explore Microsoft for Startups marketing resources
Tap into pre-built marketing materials that make it easy to share the benefits of building with Microsoft across your startup channels and communities.
Program benefits
Access information about our programs so you can share Microsoft for Startups benefits on your intranet or startup portal.
Logos
Showcase your affiliation with Microsoft for Startups on your website.
Branded collateral
Customize Microsoft for Startups one-pagers with your organization’s logo.
Email templates
Invite your startups to join Microsoft for Startups with ready-to-use email messaging.
Social media messaging
Showcase your partnership with Microsoft and attract new startups to your community.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Microsoft for Startups helps founders solve common startup challenges. The program offers industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and essential technology to empower startups in building future-proof businesses. It's open to startups at all stages, with no funding required.
Pegasus is an invite-only program that helps select B2B startups with opportunity generation and acceleration. A startup must first join and utilize its benefits to become eligible.
- Microsoft aims to contribute to a robust innovation ecosystem where our startups, partners, and customers can thrive. We work closely with a global network of leading startup organizations—including accelerators, technology incubators, VC firms, and angel networks—with the goal of making our cutting-edge technology available to startup communities everywhere.
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Anyone can apply for Microsoft for Startups—from students with an idea to serial founders. Applications are verified by LinkedIn, so it’s helpful to ensure that founders have an updated LinkedIn profile before applying. To be eligible, startups must:
- Be building a software-based product or service.
- Be privately held and for-profit.
- Not have received Series D or later funding.
- Not have previously received more than $10,000 (USD) in Microsoft Azure credits.
- After applying, startups receive a confirmation email. The Microsoft for Startups team typically takes three business days to evaluate applications, though response times may be delayed if additional information verification is needed. The best advice you can offer your startups is to complete the application thoroughly to ensure a timely review.
- Additional Microsoft for Startups collateral is provided for you to download and share with your startups—simply submit your organization’s name and associated email address. For specific questions about Microsoft for Startups benefits, eligibility requirements, or the application process, please visit the Microsoft for Startups Support Center.
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Startups rely on trusted advisors and investors to introduce them to resources that can accelerate their growth, such as Microsoft for Startups.
We encourage you to share information about Microsoft for Startups benefits with your startup community through your preferred communication channels. Your organization can use the materials in the "marketing resources" section to help your startups understand the value of building with Microsoft and how to apply for our programs.
- Yes, feel free to include Microsoft for Startups benefits as a perk of your program. Refer to the eligibility criteria and program information elsewhere in this FAQ. You can direct startups to the Microsoft for Startups page to apply.
- Microsoft is proud to be a trusted partner of incubators, accelerators, investors, and startup programs around the world. You’re welcome to add the Microsoft for Startups logo to your website or startup portal to showcase your organization’s affiliation. Official logos are available for download in the “Microsoft for Startups marketing resources” section of this page.
- Yes, Microsoft is excited to support your organization and startups. You can highlight your collaboration with Microsoft for Startups on your website and through your social media channels to attract new startups to your community. To make content creation and amplification easier, feel free to use the startup benefits and social media messaging available in the “Microsoft for Startups marketing resources” section.
- Yes, when one of your organization’s startups is accepted into Microsoft for Startups, the founders will gain access to resources they can use to publicly share their participation in the program with investors and customers.
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