Microsoft For Startup - Sign up with Azure link broken

The behavior described usually means the Azure account is valid, but the Microsoft for Startups sign-up flow is not completing or the benefit cannot be activated with the current account/tenant.

Use the following checks and steps:

1. Confirm eligibility and program type
   • The public Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer requires affiliation with an investor in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network and other criteria (privately held, for‑profit, headquartered where Azure is available, etc.). Review the eligibility list under Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer Eligibility and confirm that the startup meets all items.
   • If not affiliated with an investor in the network, use the general Azure startup credit offer instead (this is separate from the Investor Offer and does not require an application).
2. Verify Microsoft for Startups account status
   • Sign in directly to the Microsoft for Startups portal (not via “Sign up with Azure”) and check whether an application or offer is already present.
   • If already accepted into the Investor Offer, use the portal homepage to locate and activate the Azure credits via Activate Azure rather than the “Sign up with Azure” button.
3. Activate Azure credits correctly (if already approved)
   • In the Microsoft for Startups Portal, select Activate Azure.
   • Choose Link Microsoft account, then select the Microsoft account that should own the sponsorship credits and complete Complete Azure sign‑up. A valid payment method is required, but charges only start after credits expire.
   • Credits can take up to 24 hours to appear in the Azure portal.
4. Check for sign‑up or subscription issues on the Azure side
   • If the “Sign up with Azure” flow silently redirects, there may be a sign‑up or subscription issue. Validate:
     • Azure profile information (contact email, address, phone) is complete and correct.
     • Credit card information is valid and not a virtual or prepaid card.
     • The account is not blocked by messages such as “You are not eligible for an Azure subscription” or “Your current account type is not supported.”
   • If any of those errors appear, follow the corresponding troubleshooting steps in the Azure sign‑up guide (for example, correcting profile data, using a supported account type, or using a different browser/InPrivate session).
5. If the benefit still cannot be activated
   • For Microsoft for Startups–specific activation issues (such as the “Sign up with Azure” button not working as expected), submit a Microsoft for Startups support request from the Microsoft for Startups portal.
   • If the issue appears to be with Azure subscription creation or billing (for example, the account cannot create or link a subscription), use Azure Billing Support as described in the Azure sign‑up troubleshooting article.

In this scenario, the most direct path is:

1. Confirm Investor Offer eligibility; 2) sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal and check for an existing offer; 3) use Activate Azure to link the correct Microsoft account; and 4) if the “Sign up with Azure” button continues to just redirect without any enrollment screen, open a Microsoft for Startups support request so the team can check the tenant/account state behind the scenes.

References:

• What is Microsoft for Startups?
• Azure Credit Offer
• Properly Setting Up Your Azure Account
• Troubleshoot issues when you sign up for a new account in the Azure portal