October 6, 2026
Startups can get Claude Team free: the program offers a year of access
Approved Claude Startups participants signing up for Claude Team for the first time get a free year for a team of up to 5 people.
Claude
@claudeai
The Claude Startups program is opening up to more founders. Participants can get a year of Claude Team, API credits, special offers on the tools their startup uses, and consultations with Anthropic's Applied AI team.
· 740.7K views
On Oct 6, 2026, Anthropic expanded Claude Startups. Existing participants do not need to reapply: the new offers are already available in Console.
No venture funding required. Startups founded within the last 5 years or funded within the last 2 years can apply. Venture capital investment is optional.
Application and activation. Apply in Claude Console: you need an account, a company email address on your website's domain, and a product description. Once approved, activate your free year of Claude Team in Console using the link in the email. The offer covers up to 5 Premium seats.
Every approved company receives $1,000 in Claude API credits. Activate the credits in Console after acceptance into the program and use them within 6 months of issuance. They work only in Claude Console, excluding AWS Bedrock and Google Vertex AI.
Claude Startup Stack adds partner discounts and credits worth up to $45,000 in total. Participants receive activation codes in Console. Startups backed by funds in Anthropic's partner network can receive up to $100,000 in additional API credits through their fund.
The Applied AI team offers 45-minute consultations every 2 weeks. Participants receive a booking link by email, and it is also available in the program portal.
Original source and application: [Claude Startups application form in Claude Console](https://platform.claude.com/offers/startups-application). Offer terms are based on the official program page as of Oct 6, 2026.
Existing participants can activate the new offers in Console without reapplying.
Source