Claude for Startups (Anthropic Startup Program) is a grant from Anthropic for startups founded in the last 5 years or funded in the last 2 years, whether bootstrapped, pre-seed or venture-backed. It provides USD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats), for ai · technology · saas. Applications are currently open.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | USD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats) (USD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats)) |
|---|---|
| Provider | Anthropic |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Early Revenue, Early Stage, Idea, Proof Of Concept, Prototype, Seed |
| Sector | ai · technology · saas |
| Deadline | Applications open |
What is Claude for Startups?
Claude for Startups (Anthropic Startup Program) — USD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats) — Startups founded in the last 5 years or funded in the last 2 years, whether bootstrapped, pre-seed or venture-backed. Needs a Claude Console account, a company email matching the website domain, and a short description of the product. Decisions usually come within minutes, otherwise in 2-3 business days.
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
It is aimed at businesses in ai · technology · saas. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
Who is eligible for Claude for Startups?
Startups founded in the last 5 years or funded in the last 2 years, whether bootstrapped, pre-seed or venture-backed. Needs a Claude Console account, a company email matching the website domain, and a short description of the product. Decisions usually come within minutes, otherwise in 2-3 business days. Not for: Companies founded more than 5 years ago with no funding in the last 2 years; applicants not meeting Anthropic's supportability policies.
How much does Claude for Startups give, and in what form?
USD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats), as uSD 1,000 Claude API credits (expire after 6 months); up to USD 100,000 additional API credits for startups backed by a partner-network VC; plus 1 free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats).
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support is this?
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan.
Who runs this programme?
Claude for Startups (Anthropic Startup Program) is offered by Anthropic. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Programmes like this can be rolling or time-bound. Confirm the current window on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Related programmes
Browse similar grant programmes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.
Source and verification
No official page is linked for this programme yet. Verification date pending. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.