Microsoft pulls plug on generous Azure credit program for startups

Microsoft has retired its program that granted incorporated AI startups with a validated business plan up to $150,000 in Azure credits and replaced it with a two-track system.

The Microsoft for Startups program, which Redmond was promoting at RSA in May, was generous and a good way to drive young companies with AI ideas onto its cloud platform. But as of Tuesday, that multi-tier model has been phased out: existing activated credits remain valid until they expire, but newcomers now face stricter limits.

Startups backed by an affiliated investor enter the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network track, which starts with $100,000 in Azure credits and can unlock additional awards based on referral source and engagement. Alternatively, early-stage teams without funding may qualify for up to $5,000 of Azure credits. For founders who'd budgeted runway around the old $150K ceiling, the June 27 announcement was a rude ...