It’s no secret that launching and scaling a startup can be expensive — especially during the early stages. Fortunately, there are several startup deals and discounts available to lessen the cost of valuable software and even provide services for free.
If you’re looking to take advantage of the best startup discounts available to founders and their teams, you’re in the right place. We’ve found the best deals for startups on services from customer relationship management (CRM) to help desk software.
Startup Credits & Discounts: Save Thousands on Essential Tools
During the early stages of running a startup and beyond, every dollar counts. Whether you’re looking to improve your customer experience, generate leads, or enhance your mobile app, you can avoid paying full price for the software you need to grow your business with these startup discounts.
Featured Deals From Our Partners
Starting a startup comes with major upfront costs, including formation fees, banking, and accounting. To help founders save early, we’ve rounded up a few partner deals on essential startup services.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Save 25% on LLC formation services
- ZenBusiness: Save $100 on the Premium plan
- LegalZoom: Save 20% on Pro and Premium plans
- Mercury: Earn $200 cash when you deposit $10,000 within your first 90 days
- Tailor Brands: Get up to $50 in Amazon gift cards
- 1-800Accountant: Get a free tax consultation
Once you’ve saved on the essentials, you can focus on the tools that help you run and grow your startup. Below are the best startup software discounts available today, including credits and deals on platforms for sales, marketing, customer support, and more.
1. HubSpot — Up to 90% Off CRM Tools for Startups
HubSpot is a leading CRM platform that brings marketing, sales, customer service, and content tools together in one system. Through HubSpot for Startups, eligible founders can access Professional or Enterprise plans at steeply discounted rates.
HubSpot for Startups discounts include:
- Up to 90% off in year one
- Up to 50% off in year two
- Up to 25% off in year three
Discount eligibility is based on funding stage and partner affiliation:
- Up to 90% off (Year 1)
- Raised less than $2 million in funding
- Affiliated with an approved HubSpot for Startups partner or has verified venture funding
- Up to 50% off (Year 1)
- Raised more than $2 million, up to Series A
- Affiliated with an approved partner
- 30% off (Year 1)
- Affiliated with an approved entrepreneurial or startup organization
Additional benefits include 24/7 customer support, educational resources (webinars, templates, and toolkits), and access to more than 1,500 app integrations.
2. Microsoft – Up to $150,000 in Azure Credits
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub provides startups with cloud infrastructure, development tools, and expert guidance to help them build and scale.
Eligible startups can receive up to $150,000 in Azure credits if they are associated with the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network (typically pre-seed to Series A). Startups that are not part of the Investor Network may still qualify for up to $5,000 in Azure credits through Microsoft’s startup trial offers.
Additional benefits may include:
- Access to developer tools like GitHub and Visual Studio
- Partner offers from companies such as LinkedIn and Bubble
- Technical guidance and expert support
Azure credits can be used toward a wide range of Microsoft cloud services, including AI and machine learning tools available through Azure. Specific AI model access and third-party credit amounts may vary and should be confirmed within the Founders Hub dashboard.
3. AWS Activate – Up to $100,000 in AWS Credits
AWS Activate is designed to help startups offset infrastructure costs as they build and scale on Amazon Web Services.
Eligible startups receive:
- AWS Activate credits (up to $100,000)
- Access to AWS’s global startup community
- Educational resources and technical support
- Partner offers valued at up to $800,000
AWS Activate credits can also be used for services like Amazon Bedrock, including access to third-party AI models from providers such as Anthropic, Meta, and Mistral.
AWS Activate packages include:
Activate Founders ($1,000 in credits)
- New to AWS Activate
- Self-funded or pre-Series B
- Founded within the last 10 years
- Active AWS account and company website
Activate Portfolio (up to $100,000 in credits)
- Affiliated with an AWS Activate Provider
- Pre-Series B
- Founded within the last 10 years
- Active AWS account and company website
4. Zendesk – Six Months Free
Zendesk offers customer support and engagement software that helps startups manage conversations across email, chat, social media, and phone.
The Zendesk for Startups Program provides:
- Six months of free access to Zendesk products
- Coverage for up to 50 agents (monthly credit)
- Access to a community of founders and CX leaders
- Expert guidance and best-practice resources
To qualify, startups must:
- Be a new Zendesk customer
- Have fewer than 50 employees
- Have raised funding up to and including Series B
5. Notion – Up to Six Months Free
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines docs, databases, project management, and AI-powered tools. Through the Notion for Startups program, eligible companies can unlock premium features and Notion AI at no cost for a limited time.
Available offers include:
Six months free (Business Plan + Notion AI)
- Non-paying Notion customer
- Fewer than 100 employees
- Public company website and domain email
- Affiliated with a Notion startup partner
Three months free (Notion AI included)
- Non-paying Notion customer
- Fewer than 100 employees
- Public company website and domain email
Notion also offers a shorter one-month option for some early-stage teams.
6. Google for Startups Cloud Program – $2,000-$350,000 in Google Cloud Credits
The Google for Startups Cloud Program helps tech startups build on Google Cloud with generous credits and additional business resources.
Eligible startups can receive:
- Up to $2,000 in credits (early-stage, not institutionally funded)
- Up to $200,000 in credits over two years for funded startups
- Up to $350,000 in credits for qualifying AI-first startups
Credits can be used for computing, storage, data analytics, and machine learning tools. Additional perks may include Google Workspace benefits, Maps credits, and Google Cloud training resources.
7. IBM for Startups – Free IBM Cloud Credits
IBM offers startup-friendly cloud resources through its IBM Cloud free tier, which is available to startups and businesses of all sizes. New users receive access to 40+ always-free (Lite) IBM Cloud services along with $200 in IBM Cloud credits valid for 30 days to explore additional products.
IBM Cloud’s startup-friendly ecosystem also includes developer resources, documentation, and access to IBM’s global technology platform. The program is free to join and does not require equity.
8. Newoldstamp – Five Free Lifetime Email Signatures
Email signatures are a valuable brand awareness tool for startups leveraging email marketing or newsletters to connect with and grow their target audience. Newoldstamp is an email signature service associated with venture capital (VC) firm 500 Startups that generates effective email signatures with optimized calls-to-action, tailored to each business and professional.
The program provides startups with five free lifetime signatures, access to all templates and customizations, unlimited banner campaigns, and signature analytics. For additional signatures, the company offers qualifying startups 25% off their first purchase.
Qualifications include:
- Less than two years in business
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Less than $1 million in funding
9. Intercom – Up to 90% Off for Early-Stage Startups
Intercom is an AI-powered customer messaging and support platform that helps startups manage conversations and reduce support workload through automation.
Through Intercom’s Early Stage Program, eligible startups receive:
- 90% off year one
- 50% off year two
- 25% off year three
To qualify, startups must:
- Not currently be an Intercom customer
- Have raised up to $10 million in funding
- Have fewer than 15 employees
10. Mixpanel – One Year Free
Mixpanel is a product analytics platform that helps startups track user behavior, retention, and growth.
The Mixpanel Startup Program offers:
- One free year on Mixpanel’s Startup Plan
- Full access to technical support
- Access to Mixpanel’s private startup community
To qualify, startups must:
- Not have redeemed previous Mixpanel offers
- Be incorporated for less than five years
- Have raised no more than $8 million
- Not be a current paying Mixpanel customer
11. DigitalOcean Hatch – One Year of DigitalOcean Credits
DigitalOcean is a cloud infrastructure solution that helps businesses build and grow their products. DigitalOcean’s Hatch Program is built to support developers as they create, launch, and scale their startups using the platform’s suite of developer products.
In addition to up to a year of credits to use on the DigitalOcean platform, startups receive prioritized support, expert-led training, and access to a community of founders, investors, and influencers. It is important to note that credit amounts vary by the startup’s partner organization.
DigitalOcean prioritizes streaming, fintech, DevTools, business-to-business (B2B), gaming, and edtech startups. In addition, startups must meet the following criteria to qualify for the program:
- Must be associated with an approved accelerator, incubator, or VC firm (proof required via email or partner letter)
- Must not have received previous DigitalOcean promotional credits
- Must have raised a Series A round or less
- Must have a company website and associated email address
- Must not be an existing DigitalOcean customer
12. GitHub for Startups – One Year of Free Services
GitHub is a widely used developer platform, helping businesses build products, manage projects, and benefit from access to extensive automations and other DevOps features. GitHub for Startups provides qualifying startups with one year of their GitHub Enterprise plan for free for up to 20 seats. Plus, these startups also receive tailored product guidance for onboarding and technical best practices.
To qualify, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an early stage startup
- Must have outside funding (up to Series A)
- Can’t have previously received GitHub Enterprise credits
- Must be a new or returning, but not current, GitHub Enterprise customer
13. Twilio Segment – Up to Two Years of Free Services
Twilio Segment makes collecting and analyzing real-time customer data across more than 450 apps simple. With the Twilio Segment Startup Program, businesses gain access to their powerful analytics solution to help find a product-market fit and deliver more valuable customer experiences. In addition to full access to the Segment Team Plan for up to two years, startups receive $1 million in free software from companies like AWS, Intercom, and Amplitude.
There are only two eligibility requirements for the program:
- Less than two years in business
- No more than $5 million in funding
14. Amplitude for Startups – One Year of Free Services
Amplitude is a data and analytics platform built to help startups find product-market fit and scale their businesses. The company’s scholarship program, Amplitude for Startups, offers several programs for qualifying startups at varying stages from pre-seed to Series C with different levels of discounts available.
Amplitude offers three discounted packages for startups with varying eligibility requirements:
- Startup Scholarship (One year of free access to the Amplitude Growth Plan)
- Must have raised less than $10 million in funding
- Must have fewer than 20 employees
- Tech for Black Founders (Unlimited access to the Amplitude Growth Plan)
- Must have less than $30 million in funding
- Must have fewer than 150 employees
- Must be led by one or more Black founders
- Must be headquartered in the United States
- Discounts for Portfolio Partners (25% off of the Amplitude Growth Plan for one year)
- Must be a private company up to a Series C round of funding
- Must not currently be a paying customer
- Must be a portfolio company of an Amplitude venture partner
15. Close – 30%-60% Discount
Built for startups as well as small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Close provides a CRM built to help startup sales teams double their productivity. With free data migration and seamless onboarding, startups can easily integrate Close into their sales flow to grow their customer base and generate more leads. The company offers 30%–60% off the first year of their all-in-one CRM for qualifying startups.
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a member of a participating accelerator, VC firm, or partner network
- Must have less than $2 million in funding
- Must have less than $1 million in annual revenue
- Must not be an existing customer
16. Algolia – $10,000 in Algolia Credits
Algolia is a search and discovery platform that helps businesses adapt to meet customer needs and build better customer experiences. This AI-powered platform is a powerful tool that enables businesses to research customer behavior and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
The Algolia Startup Program includes $10,000 in Algolia Credits to use on the platform for up to a year as well as additional credits for Software as a Service (SaaS) products (e.g., Notion), educational resources, and access to world-class customer support.
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Time in business must be less than three years
- Must have less than $5 million in funding
- Must not be an existing customer
17. Reclaim – 20% Discount for Three Years
Reclaim is an AI-powered calendar app that helps teams optimize schedules, protect focus time, and manage tasks more effectively. Through Reclaim’s startup program, eligible businesses receive a 20% discount for three years, with a minimum of five user seats required.
To qualify, startups must:
- Be less than five years old
- Have fewer than 100 employees
- Have raised less than $10 million in funding
18. ActiveTrail – Six Months of Free Services
ActiveTrail is a marketing automation platform with tools for a variety of business communication needs, such as email, sign-up forms, landing pages, surveys, and more. The platform’s Startup Booster Program grants qualifying startups six months of free services with up to 5,000 contacts and the ability to send up to 50,000 emails.
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a new user
- Must have a tech or internet company with less than one year in business
- Must have fewer than 15 staff members
- Must have equal to or less than $1 million in funding
19. Help Scout – Six Months of Free Services
Customer support software can be a valuable tool in securing and retaining customers. Help Scout is a simple, but effective customer support software that helps users keep all customer interactions organized. It also allows businesses to provide live chat support and build a library of customer answers for a seamless user experience. The Help Scout for Startups program provides startups with six months of free services for up to 10 users and world-class customer support.
To qualify, startups:
- Must not be an existing customer
- Must be an incorporated tech startup
- Must have less than two years in business
- Must have less than $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR)
20. Aiven Cluster – $12,000-$100,000 in Credits
Aiven is an open-source data platform that helps businesses easily manage their data across all major cloud providers in one place. With the Aiven startup program, Cluster, startups receive between $12,000 and $100,000 in credits to spend on Aiven services over one year. Plus, qualifying startups gain access to Aiven’s expert support, virtual events, and the Aiven community.
Startups must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- No more than seven years in business
- Must have an affiliation with a Cluster partner
- Must have a company email address
21. GanttPRO – 50% Off Annual Plans
Used by companies such as Salesforce, NASA, and Sony, GanttPRO is a project management tool designed to help teams plan and manage work using Gantt charts.
Through its Startup Program, GanttPRO offers 50% off any annual plan for qualifying startups.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Incorporated three years or less
- Public company website and unique email domain
- 30 or fewer employees
- Raised funding up to Series B
- Must not be an existing paid GanttPRO customer
22. Typeform – 75% Startup Discount
Typeform provides an interactive form and survey platform that helps startups collect leads, feedback, and insights with beautiful, customizable experiences. Through Typeform’s startup discount, qualifying startups can receive up to 75% off the Business plan for their first year, access to advanced features, integrations, and priority support.
Eligibility generally includes being a new Typeform customer and meeting early-stage business criteria such as funding and revenue thresholds.
23. PostHog – $50,000 in Credits
PostHog is an all-in-one developer platform with features for testing, analytics, and more. Used by teams at Y Combinator, Airbus, and AssemblyAI, to name a few, PostHog combines eight products into one platform for a robust and powerful product development tool. The PostHog for Startups program provides qualifying businesses with the following:
- $50,000 in PostHog credits
- Founder merch
- $25,000 in DigitalOcean Hatch credits
- A potential feature in the company’s newsletter
- Referral perks
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Must be less than two years old
- Must have less than $5 million in funding
24. Userback – 25% Discount
Userback is a user insights platform that helps businesses increase conversions and retention through user feedback they collect and manage on the platform. With Userback, businesses can trigger surveys, link actions to insights to better understand customer needs, and organize feedback to better leverage insights. With the Userback for Startups program, qualifying businesses receive 25% off annual plans for their first year of service on the platform.
To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be a primarily SaaS business
- Be founded within the last two years
- Have fewer than 10 employees
- Have less than $1 million in funding
25. MongoDB – Free MongoDB Atlas Credits
MongoDB is a document database platform built for developers. The MongoDB for Startups program provides businesses with free credits for MongoDB products, expert technical advice, and access to the company’s community to help with go-to-market opportunities. Startups can submit applications for the program through a partner VC firm, accelerator, or incubator or through the MongoDB website.
To qualify, startups must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be Series A or earlier
- Must be building a product or service
- Must have not previously participated in the program
- Must have a live, functioning website
- Must have a valid company LinkedIn profile
26. Customer.io – Startup Program (Up to 12 Months)
Customer.io helps startups create personalized customer journeys using first-party data across email, SMS, and push notifications.
Through Customer.io’s Startup Program, eligible startups can receive up to 12 months in the program, with discounted access to Customer.io’s messaging tools.
To qualify, startups must:
- Have raised less than $10 million in total funding
- Not use purchased contact lists
- Not be a current or former Customer.io customer
Program structure and plan details may vary based on eligibility and approval.