Unable to verify startup when redeeming Microsoft for Startups benefit through Mercury

Urfan Hamzayev 0 Reputation points
2026-08-06T18:37:52.59+00:00

Hello,

I have a US-registered startup and redeemed the Microsoft for Startups Azure benefit through the Mercury startup perks page.

Mercury confirmed that redemption and verification are managed by Microsoft.

However, after applying, I received the message:

"We couldn't verify your startup. We'll switch you to a pay-as-you-go subscription once your original $1,000 in credits run out or expire."

My startup is legitimate, but our product uses a different domain than our company website.

Could someone from the Microsoft for Startups team review my application or advise what additional documentation is required for verification?

Thank you.
Urfan

Azure Advisor
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-06T18:38:08.7633333+00:00

    The verification message is generic. Microsoft for Startups Program Support handles verification and compliance issues, including business or domain verification, benefit redemption issues, and portal access problems.

    For this scenario, the supported next step is to submit a Program Support request through the Azure Portal:

    1. Sign in to the Azure portal.
    2. Go to the startup homepage.
    3. Open the Overview tab.
    4. In Your Microsoft Team, select Get program support.

    Program Support can help with:

    • Business or domain verification
    • Benefit redemption issues
    • Azure credit activation
    • Entitlement corrections
    • Portal access problems

    A domain mismatch between the company website and product domain is relevant to verification, so include that detail in the support request along with the startup’s legal registration and domain ownership evidence.

    If the startup was approved into Microsoft for Startups, benefits and support are managed through the Azure Portal. The portal is also where support requests for program-related issues must be submitted.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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