Cloudflare for Startups Programs
- Developer platform creditsWorkers and eligible usage-based services; Workers AI and R2 have separate caps.
- Security, network & supportCore security and networking are included at no cost; support varies by tier. Some advanced features need activation.
Use the right budget. The headline tier is not the spending limit for every product. Check the product caps below.
Best for
Is my startup eligible?
I may apply if…
- My company was founded within 10 years and builds a technology product.
- I have a live public website and matching business email.
- My business is for-profit and publicly active on LinkedIn, X or GitHub.
- My startup has not previously been approved.
I should check carefully if…
- I am bootstrapped or my last funding was over 12 months ago: confirm the published funding rule.
- I am an existing Enterprise customer.
- I run a personal blog, consultancy, agency, MSP, reseller or educational institution.
- I want a higher tier but have not confirmed affiliated-partner backing.
The general checklist also mentions funding up to Series B and within 12 months. The bootstrapped tier needs clarification; these checks do not guarantee approval.
What could affect my benefits?
I am bootstrapped
The $10K tier lists self-funded teams, while general eligibility also says funding within 12 months. Ask the startup team which rule applies to my company.
I want a higher tier
Match my funding and investor affiliation to the published tier criteria; total funding alone is not enough.
I mostly use Workers AI or R2
Workers AI caps are $2,500, $10,000 and $50,000 for Tiers 3, 2 and 1. R2 is capped at $10,000.
I use AI Gateway or need an SLA
AI Gateway is temporarily excluded. The feature summary and Terms disagree about an SLA; obtain written confirmation instead of assuming a guarantee.
How do I apply?
-
Choose the tier to check
Compare my funding and partner backing with the three published tiers. Resolve the funding wording with the startup team if needed.
-
Prepare my company details
Have verifiable information ready and check the live official form for its exact fields.
- Company website and business email
- Public company profile and incorporation details
- Funding history and affiliated partner, if applicable
- Cloudflare account ID and intended product usage
-
Apply on the official website
Open Cloudflare’s program page and use its Apply link. If the form does not load, contact [email protected]. Cloudflare reviews applications; this guide does not collect them.
-
Check the award and billing
After approval, verify the account, tier, product caps, expiry and payment method. Use the dashboard and invoices to track remaining credit.
Review timing: Typically up to 48 hours, according to the current FAQ; allow for delays.
Follow the application link on Cloudflare’s website. Approval and credit limits apply.
What should I know about using credits?
Check product caps
Workers AI: $2,500 / $10,000 / $50,000 across Tiers 3 / 2 / 1. R2: $10,000. A larger total grant does not remove these limits.
Separate excluded charges
AI Gateway, domain registration and renewals are excluded. Confirm add-ons and premium network services individually.
Plan for graduation
Credits end after one year or full consumption, whichever comes first. Extensions are not currently offered. Choose a paid or free plan before graduation.
Keep billing under review
A valid payment method is required; overages are billed. Review the dashboard and invoices against my actual award.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bootstrapped startup apply for Cloudflare credits?
A $10K bootstrapped tier is listed, but the general funding requirement needs clarification. Ask [email protected] how the rules apply before relying on approval.
Does every startup get $350K?
No. It is the maximum tier, with funding and affiliated-partner conditions. Check the tier that fits my circumstances and the actual approved award.
Can I spend the entire grant on Workers AI or R2?
No. These products have separate caps. Use the limits above when planning workloads, then confirm covered models and services in my award.
How long does Cloudflare startup approval take?
The FAQ says typically up to 48 hours. This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Check spam; follow up with the startup team after more than a week.
Can an existing member upgrade or reapply?
Previous-tier members nearing their cap may request an upgrade review; it is not automatic and does not reset expiry. New awards are one per startup, and credits cannot transfer between accounts. Send my account ID and usage summary to the startup team for an upgrade check.
Does Cloudflare for Startups fund my company?
The benefit described here is service credits, not an investment or cash payment. For this page, the next step is a credit application, rather than pitching for venture funding.
Official sources
Checked (PT). General eligibility and tier wording differ on funding; the feature list and Terms differ on SLA. Confirm both with the startup team. This guide does not decide eligibility.