Claude API Credits and Claude Team for Startups
Anthropic develops Claude, a family of AI models built to help people and businesses work with advanced artificial intelligence. Anthropic for Startups brings together the Claude offers currently available to eligible founders and growing companies through PerkBook.
Startups can use Claude to support product development, software engineering, research, analysis, content workflows and customer experiences. Review the current offers below to compare benefits, eligibility requirements and access details. Availability and program terms may vary by offer.
Anthropic Startup Program Benefits and Offers
Available offer
Claude for Startups: $1,000 API Credits + 1 Year Claude Team
Approved startups can receive $1,000 in Claude API credits plus 1 year of Claude Team for up to 5 Premium seats.
Eligibility
- Startup founded within the last 5 years OR funded within the last 2 years; Claude Console account required; company email must match the company website domain; applicant must provide a short description of what the company is building; no VC funding required; open to bootstrapped, pre-seed, and venture-backed startups; company must be new to Claude Team to receive the 1-year Team benefit. API credits apply to the Claude API via Claude Console and not to third-party hosting such as AWS Bedrock or Google Vertex AI.
Questions about this offer
What benefits are listed under the standard Claude for Startups offer?
US$1,000 in Claude API credits plus one year of Claude Team for up to five Premium seats, according to this PerkBook offer. This specific tier does not require funding or a VC/accelerator partnership. The vendor’s general program page may describe other tiers or outdated terms.
Can bootstrapped startups apply for Claude for Startups?
Yes. Bootstrapped startups can apply for this $1,000 Claude for Startups offer. This specific offer does not require the startup to have raised funding or to be affiliated with a VC, accelerator, or other partner. Other eligibility conditions may still apply.
What eligibility requirements should applicants check?
No funding or VC/accelerator partnership is required for this $1,000 offer. PerkBook lists a startup founded within the last five years or funded within the last two years, a Claude Console account, a company email matching its website domain, and a short description of the business. The free Claude Team benefit is intended for companies new to Claude Team. Anthropic’s general website may describe different terms for other credit tiers, so check this specific offer’s application details.
Can I spend Claude startup API credits through AWS Bedrock or Google Vertex AI?
No. Anthropic states that startup credits apply to its first-party Claude API through Claude Console, not to AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI or other third-party hosting services.
How do I apply for the Claude startup program?
Visit Anthropic's official Claude for Startups page and follow its application link. Anthropic asks for a Claude Console account, a company email, company website and brief description of what you're building. Applying does not guarantee access to credits.
Are the one-year Team subscription and $1,000 credits available to new applicants right now?
This $1,000 offer is a newer, separate tier in PerkBook. Its current availability for new applicants should be checked through the application for this specific offer; older notices on Anthropic’s general startup-program page may refer to a different offer or period and should not be treated as definitive for this tier.
Available offer
Up to $100,000 Claude API Credits (VC Partner)
Startups backed by an eligible Anthropic VC partner can receive up to $100,000 in additional Claude API credits.
Eligibility
- Backed by a participating Anthropic VC partner
- Meets Claude for Startups eligibility requirements
- Uses a matching company email and domain
- Has a Claude Console account
- Exact credit allocation is determined by Anthropic and the participating VC partner
Questions about this offer
What is the maximum benefit for startups backed by an Anthropic VC partner?
PerkBook lists up to US$100,000 in additional Claude API credits for eligible companies backed by participating Anthropic VC partners. This is a maximum, not a guaranteed grant; availability and allocation depend on Anthropic and its VC partner program.
Do I need an investor relationship to access this VC-partner benefit?
Yes. This particular offer is intended for startups backed by a participating Anthropic VC partner. It is distinct from the broader Claude startup community, which founders may join without VC backing.
How can I find out whether my VC is an Anthropic partner?
Ask your investor whether they participate in Anthropic's startup or VC partner program and whether your company is eligible for the additional credits. Anthropic also advises founders to mention a partner investor in their startup application.
Does every qualifying startup receive the full $100,000?
No. The offer is described as 'up to' US$100,000, so the actual allocation may be lower. Anthropic and the participating investor determine whether and how much credit an eligible startup receives.
Can these partner credits pay for Claude usage on AWS Bedrock or Google Vertex AI?
No. Anthropic says startup credits are for its first-party Claude API through Claude Console; they do not apply to Bedrock, Vertex AI or other third-party platforms.
How do I claim the VC-partner credits?
Contact your participating VC for the applicable claim process and apply through Anthropic's official startup program as directed. Mention the investor relationship. PerkBook does not guarantee approval or the credit amount.
Anthropic FAQ
What is Claude, and who makes it?
Claude is a family of AI models and applications developed by Anthropic. Startups can use Claude as an AI assistant or integrate its models into their own products through the Claude API.
How can a startup use Claude?
Common uses include drafting and analysing content, researching information, assisting with software development, supporting internal workflows, and building AI-powered product features with the Claude API.
What is the difference between Claude Team and the Claude API?
Claude Team is a subscription workspace for people at a company to use Claude together. The Claude API lets developers integrate Claude models into applications and automated workflows. A Team subscription and API usage are distinct products.
What is Claude Code?
Claude Code is Anthropic's coding tool for working with a codebase through a terminal or supported development environment. It can help developers implement, understand, debug and review code. Access and billing depend on the plan used.
