Google for Startups Cloud Program
Some apply links may be affiliate. See our policy.
Up to $200K in GCP credits for startups, tiered by funding stage with technical support included.
Google's startup program dishes out credits in two tiers—Start and Scale—based on your funding round and stage. You get the obvious (cloud credits), plus technical support, business guidance, and access to Google's wider partner network. The credits are real money off your GCP bill, no equity grab. The catch: you need to fit their funding profile pretty precisely. Early-stage means seed/Series A; Scale tier wants Series B+. They're not shy about rejecting applications that don't match their thesis. Approval typically takes a few weeks, and you'll need to prove you're actually building on GCP to keep the credits flowing. Best for funded startups ready to commit to Google Cloud as their primary infrastructure.
2 tiers
Tier 1
Start Tier
Designed for early-stage startups without equity funding—providing foundational credits and resources.
$2K
click to collapse
Tier 1
Start Tier
Designed for early-stage startups without equity funding—providing foundational credits and resources.
$2K
click to collapseBenefits
- Up to $2,000 in Google Cloud credits (valid for 1 year)
- $200 Google Cloud Skills Boost credits for training
- Technical support via Customer Care plan (credits can be applied)
- Access to Google Cloud Startup Community
- 12 months of free Google Workspace Business Plus (for new signups)
Eligibility
- Not yet funded by an institutional investor
- Founded within the last 5 years
- No prior Google Cloud credits beyond the free trial
How to apply
- 1
Have Billing Account and Business Email
Obtain a valid Google Cloud billing account ID and use a domain-based business email
Create Billing Account → - 2
- 3
Tier 2
Scale Tier
For funded startups with equity investments up to (and including) Series A, providing higher credits and deeper support.
$200K
click to collapse
Tier 2
Scale Tier
For funded startups with equity investments up to (and including) Series A, providing higher credits and deeper support.
$200K
click to collapseBenefits
- Up to $100,000 in credits for Year 1, plus 20% coverage (up to $100,000) for Year 2
- $500 Google Cloud Skills Boost credits
- $12,000 in Enhanced Support credits for 1 year
- Access to Startup Success Manager and co-marketing opportunities
- 12 months of free Google Workspace Business Plus (for new signups)
Eligibility
- Equity funding from pre-seed to Series A
- Founded within the last 10 years
- No more than $5,000 previously received in Google Cloud credits
How to apply
- 1
Verify Funding Stage
Prepare documentation of equity funding from pre-seed to Series A
- 2
Have Billing Account and Domain Email
Obtain a valid Google Cloud billing account ID and domain-based email
Register or Log In → - 3
Pros
- ✓ Up to $200K in credits with no equity stake or revenue share
- ✓ Includes hands-on technical support and business mentorship, not just credits
- ✓ Tiered structure means earlier-stage companies can still qualify for meaningful support
Cons
- ✗ Strict funding-stage eligibility requirements—misaligned rounds often get rejected outright
- ✗ Credits expire after 12 months; you lose what you don't spend
- ✗ Approval process takes 3–4 weeks despite marketing suggesting faster turnaround
Frequently asked questions
What does the program offer?
How do I determine which tier applies to me?
How long do the credits last?
Similar programs
Airbyte
Airbyte Y Combinator Startup Program
Up to $75K in Airbyte Cloud credits for YC founders building data pipelines.
Aiven
Aiven Cluster Startup Program
Up to $100K in Aiven credits for data infrastructure, plus hands-on technical support and community access.
Akamai
Akamai $100 Free Trial & Business Credits
Get $100 free to test Akamai's cloud stack, or up to $5K if you're a real business.
Akamai
Akamai Cloud Rise Startup Program
Up to $120K in Akamai cloud credits over three years, plus hands-on engineering support.
Tags