Google Cloud for Startups
Google Cloud is the cloud computing and AI division of Alphabet, offering 200+ products across compute, storage, data analytics, AI/ML, and security. Home to Vertex AI, BigQuery, Kubernetes (GKE), and Gemini — serving millions of organisations globally.
Google Cloud Startup Program Benefits and Offers
Available offer
Google for Startups Cloud Program (Start (Pre-funded))
$2,000 in Google Cloud credits for 12 months for eligible pre-funded startups, plus 12 months of Google Workspace Business Plus and $200 in Google Skills credits.
Eligibility
- Pre-funded digital-native technology startup with working MVP and clear business model; planning to seek venture funding soon. Founded within last 24 months. No Google Cloud credits beyond free trial. Google determines final eligibility.
Questions about this offer
How many Google Cloud credits does the pre-funded Start tier offer?
US$2,000 in Google Cloud credits, valid for 12 months, for eligible pre-funded startups.
How old can my company be for the Google Cloud Start tier?
No more than 24 months old, according to the pre-funded tier's official eligibility criteria.
Do I need to have raised venture funding for Google's Start tier?
No. This tier is for pre-funded technology startups planning to seek venture funding.
What product progress must I show for Google's Start tier?
A working minimum viable product, a clear business model and plans to seek venture funding.
Available offer
Google for Startups Cloud Program (Scale (Early stage))
Up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years for eligible funded startups; qualifying AI-first startups can receive up to an additional $150,000 (up to $350,000 total).
Eligibility
- Recent qualifying equity funding pre-seed/seed (within 5 years) or Series A (within 12 months) from an institutional investor/VC or accepted Web3 funding source. Founded within last 5 years. Received no more than $5,000 in prior Google Cloud credits. Stealth companies must verify funding. Angel, friends/family, crowdfunding, government grants and prizes do not qualify for Scale (may qualify for other tiers). AI-first additional credits require separate qualification.
Questions about this offer
How much credit is available in Google Cloud's Scale tier?
Up to US$200,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years, with up to US$350,000 total for qualified AI-first startups.
How are standard Google Cloud Scale credits spread across two years?
Up to US$100,000 covers eligible year-one spending; in year two, a 20% credit may apply to spending, capped at an additional US$100,000.
What extra credits can qualified AI-first Scale startups receive?
Up to US$150,000 in additional credits for qualified AI-first startups, raising the maximum program benefit to US$350,000.
Does the Scale tier require investment from an institutional investor?
Yes. This recorded tier requires recent qualifying startup equity funding from an institutional investor or an eligible Web3 funding source, not necessarily a referral code from a particular VC.
Available offer
Google for Startups Cloud Program (Series B+ (Custom))
Customized cloud solutions, customer engineering and cloud credits based on monthly spend for Series B and later startups.
Eligibility
- Series B or later. Contact Google Cloud sales for tailored qualification, credit awards and enterprise terms.
Questions about this offer
How many credits are guaranteed in Google Cloud's Series B+ custom tier?
No fixed credit amount is guaranteed. Google offers customized cloud credits and support based on each later-stage startup's needs and spending.
Does the Series B+ Google Cloud tier provide dedicated technical help?
Yes. Google's listed options include dedicated customer engineers and tailored migration support.
Can a Series B+ company receive cloud credits based on usage?
Yes. Google advertises potential credits based on monthly cloud spend, with the actual terms negotiated individually.
Does this Series B+ tier have a universal two-year credit schedule?
No. Unlike the early-stage Scale program, the Series B+ offering is tailored rather than a fixed annual credit entitlement.
Google Cloud FAQ
What is Google Cloud?
Google Cloud provides cloud computing, managed databases, analytics and AI services for building and running applications.
Can startups deploy web applications on Google Cloud?
Yes. Google Cloud offers Cloud Run, Google Kubernetes Engine and compute services for deploying applications.
Does Google Cloud support AI model development?
Yes. Google Cloud offers services for developing and deploying AI applications, including Gemini-powered products.
Can Google Cloud help manage analytics data?
Yes. BigQuery and related services can help startups process and analyse data.
