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Startup credits / Self-funded

Self-funded startup credits

Startup credit programs that accept founders with no outside funding. Checked on each vendor page, most recently October 14, 2026. Self-funded OK does not mean you qualify: check every rule on the program page.

Open to self-funded founders (9)

Google for Startups Cloud

Self-funded: Yes, $2k tier

$2,000 pre-funded (MVP). Up to $200k over 2 yrs (Seed to Series A). AI tier up to $350k (yr 1 covers 100% up to $250k); covers Gemini/Gemma, not third-party models
Cloudflare for Startups

Self-funded: Yes, $10k tier

Tier 3 $10k (bootstrapped or under $1M raised, no partner). Tier 2 $100k (under $5M, affiliated partner). Tier 1 $350k ($5M+, partner). 1 year. Workers AI capped $2.5k/$10k/$50k by tier, R2 $10k, AI Gateway not covered
AWS Activate

Self-funded: Yes, Founders

Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID
Databricks Startup Program (Neon)

Self-funded: Yes, $1k

Self-funded (under $1M): up to $1k. VC-backed ($1M+ or recognized accelerator like YC): up to $200k Neon + Databricks. 12 months from acceptance
Microsoft for Startups

Self-funded: Yes

Starter credits right away (amount not published), up to $150k over time with verified progress and Azure usage
PostHog for Startups

Self-funded: Yes

$50k for 12 months + partner perks (page values at $12k). Not for PostHog AI tools
ElevenLabs Grants

Self-funded: Yes

33M characters for 12 months (over $5,500 value)
Deepgram

Self-funded: Yes

$200 free credit, no card
MongoDB for Startups

Self-funded: Yes, Inspire

Atlas credits + Voyage AI tokens, 4 tiers (Inspire for bootstrapped), amounts not published

Ask the vendor first (2)

Vercel for Startups

Self-funded: Unclear, ask

Up to $30k Flexible Commitment Amount + Enterprise access
Pinecone Startup Program

Self-funded: Likely, confirm

Standard tier, Pro Support, usage credits and discounts (amount not published)

Apply in the right order

The $19 Startup Credits Kit gives a 60 minute plan for self-funded founders plus agent prompts that check eligibility and draft each application.

Get the kit for $19