PlanetScale for Startups
Migration assistance + case-by-case migration credits for startups moving to PlanetScale MySQL/Postgres.
PlanetScale for Startups offers up to Case-by-case (varies with migration size) to seed, series a, series b startups, no VC referral required. Review takes 5–14 business days.
About
PlanetScale offers case-by-case migration credits and hands-on assistance for startups moving an existing MySQL or Postgres database onto PlanetScale. No standard 12-month free program, this is negotiated via sales and framed around the migration.
Tiers
- Early-stage
- Migrating from existing MySQL/Postgres
Eligibility
- Active database workload to migrate
- Greenfield projects with no migration story
How to apply
- 1
- 2Share migration contextCurrent DB size, QPS, concerns.
- 3Negotiate creditsAmount varies by migration scope.
What else you get
- Migration tooling + assistance
- Branching for schema changes
- Priority support during migration
What credits cover (and don't)
- PlanetScale hosted database
Tactical tips
- Tip 1.Frame the ask as "migrating off [Heroku/AWS RDS/etc.]", that's the angle that unlocks credits.
- Tip 2.Schema branching is the superpower for teams that iterate schemas often.
Common rejection reasons
- No migration story (greenfield)
Frequently asked about PlanetScale for Startups
Is PlanetScale for Startups free to apply?
Yes. Applying to PlanetScale 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 PlanetScale 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 PlanetScale 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 PlanetScale 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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Neon Startup Program
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