OpenAI
OpenAI Startup Program
Free OpenAI API credits via VC partners (amount varies)
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.
At a glance
Eligibility, benefit timing, and terms
Eligibility
- Separate legal entities may apply independently where terms allow
Benefit and tiers
- VC partner referralAPI credits, rate-limit upgrades, and startup resources; amount varies
When you get it
Partner-backed applications are reviewed through the referring VC or startup partner before credits or rate-limit upgrades are assigned.
Duration and limits
12 months
Confirm the credit expiration and eligible API products with the referring partner.
- • One credit grant per OpenAI organization
- • A VC or startup-partner referral is required for the listed path
Last terms check: 2026-08-10
Official termsOpenAI routes startup founders through their VC or startup partner for API credits; the public page does not publish a fixed dollar amount.
Program tiers
| Tier | Value | Access | When / duration | Notes and limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VC partner referral | API credits, rate-limit upgrades, and startup resources; amount varies | referral only | Credits and rate-limit upgrades are assigned after partner review | API credits, rate-limit upgrades, and startup resources; amount varies |
Eligibility
- Separate legal entities may apply independently where terms allow
How to apply
- 1Ask the referring VC or startup partner to confirm the OpenAI startup path.
- 2Link the eligible OpenAI organization and complete the partner-backed review.
- 3Confirm the API products, credit amount, rate-limit changes, and expiration in the approval communication.
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.