Founders Hub $25K Azure credits expiring Oct 27, 2026 with ~$24,500 unused – extension or level-up request

Microsoft for Startups Azure credits cannot be extended; before October 27, 2026, request an account-specific level-up eligibility review through Microsoft for Startups Program Support.

What applies to your credits

• One-time extension: The current FAQ states that activated Azure credits are valid for up to two years and extensions are not available.^1^
• Level-up/additional credits: Additional credits may be unlocked over time when a startup demonstrates verified progress, service adoption, and sustained Azure usage. Investor Network-backed startups may receive higher-value benefits earlier.^2^
• Your unused balance alone does not establish eligibility for the next level. Because no level-up option appears on your Benefits page, Program Support must check your account’s eligibility, verification status, and portal entitlement. Verification for level-up and credit-expiration questions are explicitly within that team’s scope.^3^

Submit the private review request

Use the route matching your program experience:

If you joined before May 29, 2026 and use the Microsoft for Startups Portal:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal.
2. Select the ? icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Submit a Support Ticket.
4. Attach a screenshot showing the Benefits page without a level-up option.

This portal is the documented primary experience for startups that joined before May 29, 2026.^4^

If your startup experience is in the Azure portal:

1. Open Azure portal → Startup homepage → Overview.
2. Locate Your Microsoft Team.
3. Select Get program support.^3^

The support ticket is the correct private place for account identifiers. Do not post tenant IDs, subscription IDs, billing details, or screenshots containing those values in Microsoft Q&A.

Include this information in the ticket

• Subject: Level-up eligibility review before Azure startup credits expire
• Current benefit level: $25,000
• Expiration date: October 27, 2026
• Approximate used and remaining credit
• Screenshot showing that no level-up action appears
• Current Azure adoption: AKS, Logic Apps hybrid deployment, and Azure AI Foundry
• Recent milestones demonstrating product progress, service adoption, revenue/funding progress, or increased Azure usage
• Request confirmation of:
  1. Whether the account is currently eligible for progression
  2. Whether verification tasks or account information are incomplete
  3. Whether the missing level-up control reflects eligibility status or a portal/entitlement issue

Submit the request well before expiration. Progression must be approved while the current allocation remains active; an exception extending the existing balance is not a documented option.

References

1. Microsoft for Startups – Frequently Asked Questions
2. What is Microsoft for Startups? | Microsoft Learn
3. Microsoft for Startups Program Support
4. Microsoft for Startups Portal