- Microsoft pulls your start program in favor of a new scheme
- As of July 2025, new companies must join a two -track system
- For most credits, new companies will need a reference
Microsoft has managed to plug a popular program designed to admit new companies offering them up to $ 150,000 in Azure credits, according to a new memorandum published on June 27, 2025, but it has not gone forever.
On the other hand, the company is making changes in the program: Microsoft will continue to support new companies, but this time through a two -track system that obtains its support from investors and the company itself.
Microsoft emphasized that existing activated credits remain valid until they expire, however, the new applicants will be guided by the two track system, which was the effect of information on July 1.
The Microsoft program for Startups suffers a great shift
The new program will first consist of a track backed by investors, possibly the most valuable for new companies.
It consists of $ 100,000+ in Azure credits, but requires a reference of an affiliated investor, such as accelerators, risk capitalists and universities. The new eligible companies can also unlock additional benefits based on the participation of the program and its investor.
Dedicated support channels, marketing initiatives and personalized resources are also available.
Secondly, there is the self -service track, which is open to new companies without support of investors that are new to Azure. Up to $ 5,000 are available in Azure credits, which comprise $ 1,000 that are available for 90 days when registering and another $ 4,000 that remain available for 180 days after business verification.
However, there is no dedicated support on this track: it is only self -service.
The abrupt change could cause interruptions in many new companies that may have already budgeted according to the availability of previous credit of $ 150,000, and most new companies are re -enforced in their strategies given the short -term notification period.
It is not clear how the changes could also affect the Microsoft model, with Google offering up to $ 200,000 in credits (or $ 350,000 for new eligible companies) and AWS offers up to $ 100,000 and $ 30,000 additional for new companies that use AWS Trainium or Inferentia.