Question 1

How do I apply for Google Cloud for Startups?

Accepted Answer

Have your 18-character Google Cloud billing account ID ready and apply at cloud.google.com/startup. Choose the Start tier ($2,000 credits) if you're pre-funded with an MVP, or the Scale tier ($200,000, up to $350,000 for AI startups) if you have institutional funding. Applications are reviewed within a few business days.

Question 2

What are the eligibility requirements for Google Cloud startup credits?

Accepted Answer

Start tier: founded within 24 months, working MVP, planning to seek funding soon. Scale tier: founded within 5 years, raised pre-seed to Series A from institutional investors, received less than $5,000 in prior Google Cloud credits. AI-first startups may qualify for an additional $150,000.

Question 3

Can I get Google Cloud credits without VC funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the Start tier which offers up to $2,000 in credits for pre-funded startups. You need a working MVP, a clear business model, and plans to seek venture funding soon. The company must be founded within the last 24 months.

Question 4

What services can Google Cloud credits be used for?

Accepted Answer

Credits cover Google Cloud services including BigQuery, Compute Engine, Cloud Run, Vertex AI, and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. They cannot be applied to third-party services on Google Cloud Marketplace. Program credits also cover Google's proprietary models like Gemini and Gemma.

Google Cloud for Startups

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