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Deepak Gupta markStartup Offers
GitHub (Microsoft)
GitHub (Microsoft)

GitHub for Startups

$10,000 in flexible GitHub platform credits for 12 months, usable across Enterprise, Copilot, Advanced Security, and Actions.

Developer ToolsNeeds referral1–3 day reviewEasy to applyWidely used
Apply at GitHub (Microsoft) ↗
In a sentence

GitHub for Startups offers up to $10,000 in platform credits (12 months) to pre-seed, seed, series a startups with a VC or accelerator referral. Review takes 1–3 business days.

Max value
$10,000 in platform credits (12 months)
Credits valid
12 months
Regions
Global
Last verified
Sep 2026

About

GitHub for Startups now gives $10,000 in flexible platform credits over 12 months. The credits are not tied to one product: you can spend them across GitHub Enterprise, Copilot, Advanced Security, and Actions as your needs shift.

The structure changed from what this page previously described. GitHub no longer publishes a free-seat allocation, so plan around the credit figure rather than a seat count.

Partner affiliation is now required rather than optional. You must be connected to a GitHub for Startups partner, which is typically your VC, accelerator, or incubator. Being directly funded is no longer an alternative path on its own.

Tiers

GitHub for Startups
$10,000 in platform credits over 12 months
  • Series B or earlier funding
  • New to GitHub Enterprise, or not on Enterprise in the past 6 months
  • Not a previous recipient of GitHub Enterprise credits
  • Must be affiliated with a GitHub for Startups partner
How to qualify: Apply through the GitHub for Startups page with your partner affiliation.

Eligibility

✓ You qualify if
  • Must be affiliated with a GitHub for Startups partner (VC, accelerator, or incubator)
  • Not an existing GitHub Enterprise customer
✗ You don't qualify if
  • Previously received GitHub Enterprise credits (Microsoft or GitHub for Startups)
  • Currently on GitHub Enterprise plan
  • Data residency requirements for non-github.com cloud

How to apply

  1. 1
    Apply
    Start at github.com/enterprise/startups.
    github.com/enterprise/startups ↗
  2. 2
    Wait
    Approval in 1–3 business days.
  3. 3
    Add payment method
    Required, authorization charge happens but not charged until credits exhausted/expired.
  4. 4
    Use credits 12 months
    Automatic billing transition after expiration.

What else you get

  • 20 seats of GitHub Enterprise Cloud
  • $10K credits for Enterprise + add-ons
  • GitHub Copilot coverage (licenses, premium models, agentic capabilities)
  • GitHub Advanced Security
  • Onboarding, office hours, live demos
  • Access to GitHub technical experts

What credits cover (and don't)

✓ Covered
  • GitHub Enterprise Cloud
  • GitHub Copilot
  • GitHub Advanced Security
  • Premium models
✗ Not covered
  • Enterprise on-prem (Server)
  • Data residency-specific deployments

Tactical tips

  • Tip 1.Don't downgrade mid-program, dropping Enterprise early forfeits remaining credits, and you can't re-apply.
  • Tip 2.Stack with Microsoft Founders Hub, their 20 GitHub Enterprise seats are a different pool.
  • Tip 3.One-time redemption across all GitHub startup / Microsoft programs.

Common rejection reasons

  • Already on Enterprise
  • Previously redeemed Enterprise credits

Frequently asked about GitHub for Startups

Is GitHub for Startups free to apply?

Yes. Applying to GitHub for Startups does not cost anything and does not require giving up equity. Some programs require a payment method on file that activates only after credits are consumed or expire, check the program detail page for specifics.

How long does GitHub for Startups take to review applications?

Processing times are shown on the program detail page. Most programs reply within 1–3 weeks. Self-serve tiers (like AWS Activate Founders) can approve in 2–7 days; partner-referred tiers (like AWS Activate Portfolio) usually take 5–10 days.

Can I combine GitHub for Startups with other startup programs?

Most programs stack. The "Stacks well with" section on each detail page lists commonly combined programs. A few important exceptions: if you already claimed AWS credits via Brex or Mercury, your direct AWS Activate amount may be reduced.

What is the most common reason applications to GitHub (Microsoft) get rejected?

The top rejection reasons are (1) using a personal Gmail/Outlook address instead of a company domain, (2) having a thin or placeholder website, and (3) mismatched information between the application and Crunchbase/Pitchbook. The tips section on the program page details program-specific factors.

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