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OpenAI
OpenAI Startup Program
Free OpenAI API credits via VC partners (amount varies)
Referral OnlyVerified — Referral onlyFoundation Models & Gen AI
Manually reviewed by our team
OpenAI's current OpenAI for Startups page routes founders to their VC for API credits. Partner-backed startups may also receive rate-limit upgrades, events, and solutions-engineering access; the public page does not publish a fixed dollar amount.
Program tiers
| Tier | Value | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VC partner referral | Varies | referral only | API credits, rate-limit upgrades, and startup resources; amount varies |
Eligibility
- Registered legal entity required
- Company website required
- Business email matching domain
- Separate legal entities can apply independently
How to apply
- 1Confirm eligibility (stage, funding, entity requirements) on the official program page
- 2Use a business email and website matching your legal entity domain
- 3Submit the application via the official apply link
- 4Activate credits within the provider's stated window after approval
Important notes
- The current OpenAI for Startups page says founders should contact their VC to unlock API credits. No fixed public dollar amount is listed; partner-backed startups may also receive rate-limit upgrades, events, and solutions-engineering access.