Founder-first
Every listing is written for a founder, not for SEO. We focus on what matters: amount, eligibility, validity, and how to apply — in that order.
About · Since 2025
We help founders save thousands on the tools they need.
StartupCredits is a free, founder-first directory of cloud credits, software perks, and partner deals — plus a marketplace of pre-approved accounts for founders who want to skip the application queue.
9Programs tracked
$485k+In total credits
20Products listed
10k+Founders served
01 — What we stand for
Four principles that shape every page on this site.
No middleman
We don't take a referral cut on free programs. Every link in the directory goes directly to the official program page. You apply, you get the same terms as everyone else.
Always current
We review listings on a rolling basis and refresh major programs at least once a quarter. Expired offers get removed, not hidden.
Clean by design
No popups, no newsletters disguised as paywalls, no dark patterns. The directory is free, and it stays that way.
02 — Our mission
Make the first $500k of any startup's tooling spend free — or close to it.
Building a startup is hard. Finding the right tools — at a price you can afford in year one — shouldn't be. We started StartupCredits because every founder we knew was either overpaying for software or piecing together credit programs across a dozen tabs.
The free directory covers 9 verified programs worth $485k+, from AWS Activate to OpenAI's startup tier. The marketplace adds 20 pre-approved accounts for founders who can't wait through an accelerator-gated application.
How we curate
We only add programs that are publicly available, well-supported, and useful to a meaningful slice of founders. We won't list programs that require you to give up equity or pay an "application fee."
Who's behind this
StartupCredits is built and maintained by a small team of founders and engineers who have used (and applied for) almost every program on this list. If you have feedback or want to suggest a credit, we'd love to hear from you.
03 — Timeline
From 1 program to 9 to a full marketplace.
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2025 Q1
Idea + first listing
We mapped every credit program we'd personally used and shipped a single page listing AWS Activate, GCP, and DigitalOcean.
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2025 Q3
9 programs, full directory
Expanded to cover OpenAI, Vercel, Render, Vultr, GitHub Enterprise, and GitHub Copilot. Total face value crossed $485k.
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2026 Q1
Editorial guides
Published 8 deep guides — comparisons, best-of rankings, and stacking strategies — to help founders pick the right stack.
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2026 Q2
Marketplace launches
Added 20 pre-approved-account products across all 9 providers, plus 3 bundles. Authorized reseller status confirmed.
04 — FAQ
Quick answers about how StartupCredits works.
Is StartupCredits free?
Yes. The directory is entirely free to use. We don't charge founders, we don't sell your data, and you don't need to create an account. The marketplace is a separate paid service — clearly labeled.
Do I apply through you or directly with the provider?
For the free directory: always directly with the provider. We link to official program pages so you get the same terms as everyone else. For the marketplace: we deliver pre-approved accounts as an authorized reseller.
How often are listings updated?
We review listings on a rolling basis and try to refresh major programs at least once a quarter. Sitemaps are regenerated when listings change.
Can I submit a credit program?
Absolutely. Use our contact form to suggest a program. If it fits our quality bar — public, well-supported, useful to founders — we'll add it.
How does the marketplace work?
We're an authorized reseller for the providers in our marketplace. Each product is a pre-approved account at a specified tier — you get instant access at a fraction of the application time, with full ToS compliance. See products.
Do you offer affiliate or partnership deals?
Yes for selected providers. Contact us with your program details and we'll evaluate within 7 days.
Get started
Save thousands on your startup stack.
Free directory or pre-approved accounts — pick the path that matches your timeline.