OpenAI provides free API credits to startups through its venture-capital partner network — the amount depends on the specific program and VC, and eligibility. In Australia, OpenAI's first local startup program (delivered with Blackbird, Square Peg and AirTree) offers participating startups up to USD $15,000 in API credits, technical mentorship from OpenAI engineers and global experts, and workshops on scaling, compliance and safety, with additional credits available for taking part in technical workshops. Because credits run through the VC partner network, OpenAI directs founders to contact their VC to unlock the applicable API credits.
About this offer
OpenAI gives startups free API credits to build on its models, delivered through its venture-capital partner network — so the amount depends on the program and VC. In Australia, OpenAI launched its first local startup program in partnership with leading VCs including Blackbird, Square Peg and AirTree, providing participating startups with up to USD $15,000 in API credits alongside mentorship, workshops and an annual Founder Day. OpenAI's startup page directs founders to contact their VC to unlock the applicable credits.
Below is how the offer typically works and how to claim it. Exact eligibility and amounts are set by OpenAI and can change, so always confirm the current terms on their official page before applying.
What you get
Australia's program offers participating startups up to USD $15,000 in OpenAI API credits. Amounts elsewhere depend on the specific program and VC partner.
Technical mentorship from OpenAI engineers and global experts, plus workshops on scaling, compliance and safety — with extra credits available for joining technical workshops.
OpenAI is launching an annual Founder Day in Australia — hands-on product deep dives, demos and guidance as you build alongside OpenAI.
Credits are available through OpenAI's VC partner network. Contact your venture-capital partner to unlock the applicable API credits — in Australia, that's Blackbird, Square Peg or AirTree.
How to claim OpenAI
Most startup programs are for early-stage companies — typically newly incorporated, below a funding or revenue threshold, and not previously enrolled in this offer. Confirm the current criteria on the OpenAI page.
Use the “Claim this deal” button below to go straight to OpenAI’s startup application. Some programs approve instantly; others ask a few questions about your company.
You may be asked to verify details like your website, incorporation or a partner referral (for example via an accelerator, VC or platform like Choose My Stack).
Once approved, the Up to $15k API credits is applied to your account — credits, a discount or free months, depending on the offer.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the program and VC. OpenAI's Australia startup program offers participating startups up to USD $15,000 in API credits; amounts through other programs and partners vary, and eligibility is set by OpenAI and the VC.
Free API credits are available through OpenAI's VC partner network, so OpenAI's startup page directs founders to contact their venture-capital partner to unlock the applicable credits. In Australia the program runs with Blackbird, Square Peg and AirTree.
In Australia's program: technical mentorship from OpenAI engineers and global experts, workshops on scaling, compliance and safety, and an annual Founder Day. Startups can also earn additional credits by participating in technical workshops.
Startups backed by eligible OpenAI VC partners can receive free API credits. The exact amount and eligibility depend on the program and the VC, so confirm the current terms with your partner and on OpenAI's startup page.
It's OpenAI's first startup program in Australia, delivered with leading Australian VCs — Blackbird, Square Peg and AirTree — offering up to USD $15,000 in API credits, mentorship, workshops on scaling, compliance and safety, and an annual Founder Day for local founders.
