We're expanding the Claude Startups program to help founders build

What changed

Source summary

Anthropic is opening the Claude Startups program to more founders building on Claude. Eligible members (startups founded within the last 5 years or funded within the last 2 years) can receive up to $7,000 in Claude products and credits: a free year of Claude Team, up to 5 Premium seats, for companies new to Team, and a one-time $1,000 API credit once approved. Members also get access to the Claude Startup Stack (partner discounts/credits worth up to $45,000 combined), office hours with Anthropic's Applied AI team, a listing on the Claude Marketplace for an approved connector/plugin, and community access including events and a startup newsletter. Anthropic notes the $7,000 figure is an estimate based on list prices, and actual value depends on seat count, plan, and which partner offers are redeemed.

Why it matters to your work

Practical interpretation

If you're a startup founder, this is a concrete way to get a year of Claude Team plus API credit and partner discounts worth thousands of dollars, worth checking even if you're only experimenting with Claude today.

When this could help

When deciding whether to commit to Claude as a startup primary AI provider, or when looking to offset AI costs during early-stage building.

Approved members can get up to $7,000 in Claude product and credits, plus partner discounts, mentoring, and marketplace exposure.

How to get started

1. Check your startup meets the eligibility criteria (founded within the last 5 years, or funded within the last 2 years).

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2. Apply at claude.com/programs/startups.

   Provider guidance ↗

3. Once approved, redeem the free year of Claude Team (up to 5 Premium seats) and the one-time $1,000 API credit.

   Provider guidance ↗

Build it into your routine

SCALA suggested workflow

1. Eligibility check

   Re-check eligibility windows if reapplying later, since founding and funding dates are time-bound.

What to check

• The $7,000 headline figure is explicitly described as an estimate based on list prices, not a guaranteed cash value. Source ↗
• The $1,000 API credit is a one-time amount, available only once approved. Source ↗
• Marketplace listing requires an approved connector or plugin; it is not automatic for every member. Source ↗