Services

Startup Credits

Access up to $500,000+ in cloud, AI, and developer tool credits. We guide startups through application processes to maximize runway and build on enterprise-grade infrastructure.

Programs we help you access

Why it matters

Cloud costs shouldn't limit your potential

Every dollar spent on cloud infrastructure is a dollar not spent on product development, marketing, or hiring. For early-stage startups, cloud costs can consume 10-30% of runway—money that could be better invested in growth.

Major providers offer generous startup programs, but navigating eligibility requirements, application processes, and program nuances is time-consuming. Zenoware streamlines the entire process, helping you access credits faster and stack multiple programs for maximum benefit.

$500K+

Total credits available

11+

Partner programs

5

Days to apply

90%

Success rate

Cloud Infrastructure

Major cloud provider programs

Access compute, storage, and networking credits from the world's leading cloud platforms. These programs offer the largest credit amounts for infrastructure costs.

AWS Activate

Up to $100,000

Access AWS credits through the Activate program. Includes technical support, training, and exclusive offers for startups at various stages.

  • Tiered credit amounts based on funding stage
  • AWS technical support credits
  • Training and go-to-market resources

Google Cloud for Startups

Up to $350,000

Google Cloud startup program offers substantial credits plus access to Google's AI/ML tools, BigQuery, and dedicated startup support.

  • Generous credits for AI/ML workloads
  • Access to Google Cloud AI tools
  • Dedicated startup success manager

Microsoft for Startups

Up to $150,000

Azure credits through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Includes GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio, and Microsoft 365 benefits.

  • Azure cloud credits
  • GitHub Enterprise and Visual Studio
  • OpenAI API credits included

DigitalOcean Hatch

Up to $100,000

DigitalOcean's Hatch program provides credits for startups focused on simplicity and developer experience with straightforward infrastructure.

  • Simple, predictable pricing
  • 24/7 technical support
  • Mentorship and networking

AI & Machine Learning

AI model API credits

Build with frontier AI models without worrying about API costs. These programs provide credits for GPT-4, Claude, and other state-of-the-art language models.

Claude Startup Program

API Credits

Anthropic's startup program for venture-backed companies building with Claude. Includes priority rate limits and exclusive founder events.

  • Free API credits to build with confidence
  • Priority rate limits for scaling
  • Exclusive founder events and workshops

OpenAI Startup Program

API Credits

Access GPT-4 and other OpenAI models with startup credits through partner programs and direct applications for qualifying companies.

  • GPT-4 and model API credits
  • Available through Microsoft for Startups
  • Partner accelerator programs

Developer Tools & SaaS

Essential startup tools

Beyond infrastructure, startups need databases, deployment platforms, productivity tools, and CRM. These programs provide credits and discounts for essential business software.

Vercel for Startups

Platform Credits

Deploy faster and scale globally with Vercel's startup program. Access to v0 AI prototyping, real-time collaboration, and automatic scaling.

  • Zero-configuration deployments
  • AI-powered prototyping with v0
  • Direct access to startup team

MongoDB for Startups

Atlas Credits

MongoDB Atlas credits for startups less than 7 years old. Includes 1:1 expert consulting and Voyage AI tokens for RAG applications.

  • Atlas database credits
  • Voyage AI embedding tokens
  • 1:1 expert consulting sessions

Notion for Startups

Up to $12,000

6 months free with Notion AI included for startups under 100 employees. Includes exclusive software discounts through Notion Perks.

  • 6 months free with AI included
  • Free consulting session for setup
  • Exclusive partner discounts

HubSpot for Startups

Up to 90% off

Up to 90% off HubSpot's CRM, marketing, and sales tools in year one. Tiered discounts based on funding stage with multi-year benefits.

  • 90% off for early-stage startups
  • Multi-year discount tiers
  • Access to founder community

Linear for Startups

6 Months Free

Up to 6 months free on Linear's issue tracking and product management platform for teams under 50 employees affiliated with partners.

  • 6 months free Basic/Business plans
  • Partner network access
  • Generous free tier baseline

Eligibility

Who qualifies for startup credits

Requirements vary by program, but most startups can qualify for at least one major provider's credits. Here's what programs typically look for.

Early-stage startup

Most programs target companies less than 5-10 years old, with flexibility based on funding stage and growth trajectory.

Funding requirements

Requirements vary: some accept bootstrapped startups, while higher credit tiers often require institutional funding.

New to the platform

Many programs require you to be a new customer or have minimal existing usage on their platform.

Legitimate business

A registered business entity with a clear product. Accelerator or incubator affiliation can help.

Our application process

We guide you through the complexity of multiple startup programs, help you prepare compelling applications, and support you through to approval.

1

Eligibility assessment

Day 1
  • We review your startup's stage, funding, and tech stack
  • Identify which programs you qualify for
  • Prioritize applications for maximum benefit
2

Application preparation

Days 2-3
  • We help you gather required documentation
  • Guide you in crafting compelling application narratives
  • Advise on technical architecture plans to include
3

Submission support

Days 4-5
  • Guide you through each application submission
  • Help you track status across providers
  • Advise on responding to follow-up requests
4

Credit activation & planning

Upon approval
  • Walk you through proper credit activation
  • Help plan infrastructure to maximize credit value
  • Advise on cost monitoring and alerts setup

Benefits

Why startup credits matter

Cloud credits do more than save money—they enable you to build without compromise and focus on what matters most.

Extended runway

Cloud credits directly reduce burn rate, giving you more time to achieve product-market fit and reach your next milestone.

Enterprise-grade infrastructure

Access the same infrastructure used by the world's largest companies. Build on reliable, scalable platforms from day one.

Focus on product

Stop worrying about infrastructure costs and focus your energy on building your product and acquiring customers.

Expert guidance

We've helped dozens of startups navigate these programs. Benefit from our experience to maximize approvals.

Stack multiple programs

Most startups can qualify for credits from multiple providers simultaneously. We help you maximize total available credits.

Additional perks

Beyond credits, these programs include technical support, training, go-to-market assistance, and networking.

Why Zenoware

Expert guidance through the process

Navigating startup credit programs takes time and expertise. We streamline the process so you can focus on building your business.

Proven track record

We've helped startups secure hundreds of thousands in credits across AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and other providers.

Application expertise

We know what these programs look for. Our applications highlight the right aspects of your business.

Partner relationships

As a cloud consulting partner, we have relationships that help expedite applications and access additional benefits.

End-to-end support

From assessment through credit activation and infrastructure planning, we support you through the entire process.

Ready to extend your runway with startup credits?

Tell us about your startup and tech stack. We'll assess your eligibility across all programs and guide you through applications to maximize your available credits—helping you build on enterprise-grade infrastructure without the enterprise price tag.

Zenoware

Bespoke software and AI systems for ambitious teams across Auckland.

We blend disciplined engineering with pared-back, purpose-led design to build resilient platforms, from data-rich SaaS to intelligent automation.

Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Mon – Fri · 08:00 – 18:00 (NZDT)

Project enquiries begin with the contact form.

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