How to Get Free Azure Credits for Your Startup With Spendbase

Spendbase’s guidance highlights how free Azure credits can help startups stretch runway by lowering cloud bills. The program offers two paths: a self-service startup offer and an investor-backed option through Microsoft for Startups. Typical self-service credits start around $1,000 and can rise to $5,000 after verification, while approved investor-backed startups can access six-figure credits. Credits are promotional funds that expire on a fixed timeline, and offers may have verification windows. Microsoft favors real startups—software-focused, privately held entities with a clear product and business use case. Eligible companies are usually young, product-led, with a valid legal entity and a company domain.