We couldn’t verify your startup.

Hello Atul,

The message “We couldn’t verify your startup” indicates that the startup/business verification was not successfully completed. The message itself does not provide the specific reason for the unsuccessful verification.

If you joined Microsoft for Startups on or after May 29, 2026, Azure credits are activated through the Azure portal as part of the application process. Microsoft requires business information such as the registered startup name, industry, website (if available), and registered business address. The information should match your official business records.

I recommend the following:

Sign in to the Microsoft for Startups / Founders Hub using the same Microsoft account that was used when applying.

Review your startup profile and make sure the legal business name, address, website, and other business information are accurate and consistent with your official registration records.

If your startup has official registration or business documentation, make sure the information submitted during the application matches those documents.

If the verification remains unsuccessful, submit a support request through the Microsoft for Startups support channel and ask for the startup verification to be reviewed. Include your startup name, the Microsoft account used for the application, and a screenshot of the verification message.

Avoid creating multiple applications while the existing verification is being investigated, as this can make the account/application status more difficult to troubleshoot.

The message about switching to pay-as-you-go means that after the available Azure credits are exhausted or expire, the subscription may continue under pay-as-you-go billing. Therefore, review your subscription and billing status before continuing to use paid Azure resources. Microsoft also states that Azure activation requires completing the applicable startup verification/activation process.

If you are unable to access the startup support option, please let us know whether you joined Microsoft for Startups before or after May 29, 2026 and whether you are using the Microsoft for Startups portal or Azure portal. That will determine which activation path applies.

I hope this helps.