Anthropic for Startups (Claude API Credits)

About this offer

Anthropic for Startups provides early-stage companies with Claude API credits to build, test and scale AI-powered products, along with priority rate limits and technical resources. Credits can be used across Anthropic's model lineup, including Claude Opus, Sonnet and Haiku.

The program is tiered. Smaller self-serve credit amounts do not require a venture or accelerator connection, while the larger allocations typically come through an approved VC or accelerator partner referral. Eligibility centres on early-stage companies building AI products, generally at the pre-Series B stage. Credits are time limited and expire within a set window after they are issued.

This is a non-dilutive credit program, not a grant of cash and not an equity investment. Applications are made directly through Anthropic's startup page on a rolling basis. Founders usually need an incorporated company and a business email to qualify, and credit amounts and terms are set by Anthropic and change over time.

Who is eligible

• Early-stage company building an AI-powered product, typically pre-Series B
• Incorporated entity with a business email / domain (not a personal account)
• New to the program- credits are for first-time applicants, not existing credit recipients
• Larger credit tiers require a referral from an approved accelerator or VC partner (e.g. Y Combinator, AWS, Google Cloud); smaller self-serve amounts don't
• Existing Claude API usage and traction signals (users, revenue, partnerships) strengthen an application but aren't mandatory

What is included

• Claude API credits to cover usage costs while you build and scale
• Access across the full model lineup Claude Opus, Sonnet and Haiku
• Priority / higher API rate limits
• Developer resources and technical documentation to support integration
• Larger credit allocations available through approved accelerator and VC partners
• Enterprise-grade data handling, API inputs and outputs aren't used to train models

How redemption works

The steps below mirror Anthropic's published process, for information. Use the guidance option and our team will take you through them end to end.

1. 1

   Confirm you qualify — early-stage company building an AI product (typically pre-Series B), incorporated, with a business email.

2. 2

   Check whether your accelerator or VC is an Anthropic partner — partner referrals unlock the larger credit tiers; if you have one, route your application through them.

3. 3

   Create an Anthropic Console account at console.anthropic.com using your business email (if you don't already have one).

4. 4

   Apply through the startup program page at anthropic.com/startups — applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

5. 5

   Submit your details — company description, what you're building with Claude, stage/traction, and partner referral if you have one.

6. 6

   Get reviewed and, once approved, the credits are applied to your Anthropic API account; use them across Claude Opus, Sonnet and Haiku before they expire.

Frequently asked questions