OpenAI for Startups

Overview

OpenAI for Startups is OpenAI's program for founders building on its models. Support flows through OpenAI's venture capital partner network: portfolio companies of partner firms can unlock API credits, rate limit upgrades, and direct access to OpenAI's startup team.

Program Credits & Benefits

• Free API credits for startups backed by VC partners in OpenAI's network. OpenAI does not publish a fixed credit amount on this page; the amount is determined through your VC partner.
• Rate limit upgrades and time with solutions engineers or other technical team members.
• Invitations to exclusive events and a direct line to the OpenAI Startup team.
• Builder resources open to any founder: Build Hours, starter repositories, the Startup Drop newsletter, and founder events.
• Zero Data Retention (ZDR) can be requested on paid plans so prompts and responses are not stored or used for training.

Eligibility

Startups backed by participating VC firms. OpenAI names Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins, and Conviction Partners as examples. Applicants need a unique referral code from their VC, a description of the product and planned API usage, company name and key team contacts with a valid business email, and basic funding details.

How to Apply

1. Ask your VC whether they are part of OpenAI's partner network and how to access OpenAI resources.
2. Request a unique referral code from them.
3. Prepare your product and API usage description, company and team contacts, funding details, and your OpenAI Organization ID (found under Settings, Organization settings in the OpenAI platform).
4. Submit the credit application. When credits run out, the account switches automatically to standard billing.