OpenAI
OpenAI for Startups — API credits
What you get
API credits via partner VCs (amount not published)
OpenAI's startup credits are unlocked through its partner VCs: portfolio companies of partner firms may be eligible for free API credits, rate limit upgrades and time with OpenAI's technical team.
About this deal
OpenAI's startup credits are unlocked through its partner VC network — firms including Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins, and Conviction Partners. If your VC is a partner, your startup may be eligible for free API credits, rate limit upgrades, time with OpenAI's solutions engineers, invitations to exclusive events, and a direct line to the OpenAI Startup team.
OpenAI doesn't publish a specific credit amount, and there's no stated expiry — when your credits run out, you're switched to standard billing automatically. The program also includes Build Hours, starter repos, and founder events.
Eligibility
Credits are unlocked only through a partner VC — OpenAI's page describes no route to credits without one. To apply, you'll need:
- A referral code from your VC
- A description of your product and how you plan to use the API
- Your company name and key team contacts, with a valid business email
- Basic funding details
How to redeem
- Ask your VC whether they're part of OpenAI's partner network
- Get a referral code from them if so
- Apply using that referral code
- Provide your organization ID (found in the OpenAI platform under Settings → Organization settings → General)
