Scale: Unlock credits and dedicated support through eligible VC partners. Some VCs, like Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins, and Conviction Partners, are part of our partner network. Please reach out to your VC to learn how to unlock OpenAI API credits. Applying requires a unique referral code from your VC.
OpenAIOpenAI startup creditsModel APIs
Free OpenAI API credits (amount not published)
OpenAI makes the GPT models and sells access to them through its API. Startups backed by its partner VCs can get free API credits, possible rate limit upgrades, time with solutions engineers and events.
LiveVerified Oct 23, 2026 against the official page
- Who qualifies
- Portfolio companies of OpenAI partner VCs, such as Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins and Conviction
- How to claim
- Ask your VC for a unique referral code, then apply on the startups page
- Expiry
- See official page
Heads up. No credit amount is published. You need a referral code from a partner VC, so it is not open to direct applicants. Usage switches to standard billing when the credits run out.
Posts 1
Official sources
Added Oct 23, 2026 · Updated Oct 23, 2026, 18:44 UTC
