Anthropic vs OpenAI startup offers
Anthropic develops Claude and offers an API, while OpenAI provides AI models and platform tools, and this page compares their startup programs side by side.
The short answer
OpenAI Startup Credits and VC Partner Support is currently open, while Anthropic's Claude Startups program is paused because its cohort is full. To get OpenAI's offer, you must be backed by an eligible VC partner with a unique referral code, whereas Anthropic requires startups to be founded in the last five years or funded in the last two. Anthropic gives four benefits costing nothing, including a $1,000 credit and one year of Claude Team, while OpenAI gives free API credits whose cost is not stated.
Terms that change the decision
| Dimension | Anthropic | OpenAI |
|---|---|---|
| Credits | $1,000 | None |
| Free plan | Claude Team for 1 year | None |
| Cost | Nothing to pay | Cost not confirmed |
| Who qualifies | Startups founded in the last five years or funded in the last two | Startup must be backed by an eligible VC partner. Application requires a unique referral code from the VC, product description, team contact details, and basic funding information |
| Access | Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Application form. | Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Contact the vendor. |
The offers behind the numbers
Anthropic
Anthropic develops Claude and offers the Claude API.
Best fit
Anthropic fits startups founded in the last five years or funded in the last two, but its Claude Startups program is currently paused and takes no new applications.
- Claude Startups programAnthropic's Claude Startups program gives members a year of Claude Team, a one-time $1,000 Claude API credit and partner offers. Its current cohort is full, and Anthropic is not accepting new applications.
OpenAI
OpenAI provides AI models and platform tools to support founders at every stage of building and scaling startups.
Best fit
OpenAI fits founders backed by an eligible VC partner who have a unique referral code, product description, team contact details, and basic funding information.
- OpenAI Startup Credits and VC Partner SupportStartups backed by eligible VC partners can receive free OpenAI API credits, rate limit upgrades, dedicated technical and GTM support, and invitations to exclusive founder events.
Which fits when
VC-backed startups
OpenAI is the only program available to apply to if an eligible VC partner backs you.
Assumes
- You must have a unique referral code from your VC along with your product description, team contact details, and basic funding information.
Caveat
What getting OpenAI's offer costs your startup is not stated.
Unbacked startups
Neither program is open to unbacked startups right now.
Assumes
- OpenAI rules you out without backing from an eligible VC partner.
- Anthropic does not require venture backing, but its program is paused.
The answer changes if
- You can apply to Anthropic if it reopens applications for startups founded in the last five years or funded in the last two.
Companies over five years old
OpenAI fits if you have eligible VC backing, while Anthropic rules out companies founded over five years ago unless funded in the last two.
Assumes
- OpenAI sets no founding age limit on its VC-backed offer.
What the evidence does not settle
- Anthropic's Claude Startups program is paused because its current cohort is full, and it is not accepting new applications.
- OpenAI does not state what its offer costs, and a check on 29 Oct 2026 found that OpenAI's pages no longer state part of its record.
Bottom line
If an eligible VC backs you, contact OpenAI with your partner referral code, product description, team contact details, and basic funding information. If you lack VC backing, monitor Anthropic's application form at claude.com/programs/startups to see when its cohort reopens.
Official material reviewed
- claude.com/programs/startupsRead 16 Oct 2026
- claude.com/resources/articles/were-expanding-the-claude-startups-program-to-help-founders-buildRead 16 Oct 2026
- openai.com/business/why-openai/startupsRead 27 Jul 2026
Sourcey rewrites this comparison when either record changes. Catalog release sha256:2d306ff6e371…
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