Share via

How can I apply for the next Azure credit tier (25K / 150K) after using my initial 5K Founder’s Hub credit?

Ravi Rasadiya 0 Reputation points
2025-12-02T07:55:29.93+00:00

I am part of Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and initially received $5,000 Azure credits.

Currently, around 70–75% of those credits have been used, and they are set to expire in about 2 months and we are still in earlier part of our initial release of product.

Earlier, the portal (https://portal.startups.microsoft.com/) used to show a checkpoint / progress section where I could see eligibility for the next credit tier (such as $25,000 or $150,000), but now that option is no longer visible.

I tried to search for an official or updated process, but I couldn’t find any reliable information.

My questions:

How can I apply or become eligible for the next Azure credit tier (25K or 150K)?

Has Microsoft changed the Founder’s Hub credit milestone / checkpoint process recently?

If the eligibility checkpoint is removed from the portal, is there an alternative way to request or re-evaluate credit tier upgrades?

Should I open a support ticket somewhere (Azure Portal / Startup Portal), and if yes, which category?

Any official guidance or updated process details would be really helpful.

Azure | Azure Startups
Azure | Azure Startups
Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Thanmayi Godithi 2,215 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-12-03T05:33:11.01+00:00

    Hi @Ravi Rasadiya,

    Thank you for reaching out regarding Azure credit tier upgrades under the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program. Below are the official steps and updated guidance:

    Microsoft has transitioned from the previous milestone/checkpoint model to a usage‑based unlock system. To qualify for additional credits (e.g., $25K or $150K):

    Meet Usage Criteria: Spend $100 or more in a single month on foundational Azure services such as:

    • Azure Monitor
    • Log Analytics / Application Insights
    • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
    • Microsoft Sentinel
    • Microsoft Purview

    Validation & Timeline: Once criteria are met, Microsoft validates your account and applies the credit increase. This process can take up to 30 days to reflect in your Founders Hub dashboard.

    Reference: Unlock More Azure Credits – Microsoft Learn

    If your dashboard does not automatically reflect eligibility you can open a support ticket as follows:

    1. Sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal.
    2. Select the "?" icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
    3. Select "Submit a Support Ticket". Attach relevant documents or screenshot of errors as needed.

    Refer: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/mfs-portal

    Kindly let us know if the above helps or you need further assistance on this issue.

    If the above information is helpful, kindly upvote it and 'Accept the answer'. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.