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GitHub for Startups
GitHub's startup programme has changed and is no longer available through FounderPass.
The GitHub Enterprise offer is now only available to startups that are backed by a qualifying venture capital firm that is an official GitHub for Startups partner. If your VC is not a GitHub partner, you will not be eligible to apply for the programme.
Current eligibility
To be eligible, your company must typically:
- Be a new GitHub Enterprise customer.
- Not have previously received GitHub Enterprise startup credits.
- Have received external funding (generally up to Series A).
- Be referred by a qualifying VC that is an approved GitHub for Startups partner.
If you meet these criteria, we recommend speaking with your investor to see if they can provide access to the programme.
GitHub for Startups benefits
Eligible startups can receive:
- GitHub Enterprise free for 12 months (up to 20 seats).
- Office hours with GitHub experts.
- Live demos and learning sessions.
- Networking opportunities with other startups.
- Access to GitHub's industry-leading development, collaboration and DevOps platform.
Not eligible? FounderPass members can instead access our exclusive JetBrains startup offer, which includes 6 months free access to all JetBrains products (up to 10 licences), 50% off commercial subscriptions from month 7, and a free 6-month JetBrains Space plan upgrade.
How to access GitHub for Startups
The GitHub for Startups offer is no longer available through FounderPass, so we can no longer accept applications or referrals.
If your startup is backed by a qualifying venture capital firm, you should contact your VC directly to see if they are an approved GitHub for Startups partner. If they are, they can guide you through GitHub's application process.
If you are not eligible through a VC partner, we recommend our JetBrains Startup Program instead. FounderPass members can request the deal in just a few minutes and, once approved, receive:
- 6 months free access to all JetBrains products (up to 10 licences)
- 50% off commercial subscriptions from the 7th month
- 6 months free JetBrains Space plan upgrade
You can request the JetBrains offer directly through FounderPass—no GitHub application or promo code is required.
What is GitHub
GitHub is a developer platform that helps teams plan, build, test, and deploy secure software. It supports version control, collaboration, automation, and security across the entire development lifecycle.
GitHub is used by startups, enterprises, and independent developers worldwide, and scales easily as teams grow.
The GitHub for Startups program is designed to support companies from early stage through to IPO, providing access to enterprise-grade tools and resources.
Is GitHub good for startups?
Yes. GitHub is widely considered one of the best platforms for startups because it offers:
- Reliable version control with Git
- Strong collaboration through pull requests and code reviews
- Access to a huge open-source ecosystem
- Powerful automation with GitHub Actions
- Easy integrations with project management and CI/CD tools
- Built-in security scanning and compliance tools
- Strong visibility for hiring and investor credibility
For startups building serious products, GitHub is often the default choice.
Why founders use GitHub
For founders building technology products, GitHub is far more than a code hosting platform, it becomes the central system where product development, collaboration, quality control and delivery all come together.
Most startups use GitHub as their 'source of truth' for product development, every change to the product is tracked, reviewed and documented, which makes it much easier to manage growth, onboard new developers and maintain stability as their business scales.
GitHub also allows founders to keep full visibility over development progress without needing to be deeply technical. Through pull requests, issues and project boards, founders can see what is being built, what is blocked and what is ready to ship.
As teams grow, GitHub helps enforce quality through code reviews, automated testing and deployment pipelines, this reduces bugs, improves reliability and creates confidence when releasing new features.
For many startups, GitHub also becomes part of their company culture, and it encourages transparency, accountability, collaboration etc across engineering, product and operations teams.
GitHub alternatives worth considering
GitHub is the go to choice for many startups, but it is not the only option, some founders prefer tools that are simpler, more lightweight or better aligned with specific workflows such as enterprise compliance, open-source collaboration or internal development teams.
Below are some that you may find suitable alternatives for your needs:
GitHub FAQ
Is GitHub free for startups?
GitHub offers free plans that are suitable for many early-stage startups. GitHub Enterprise, however, is a paid plan. The GitHub for Startups programme can provide eligible startups with GitHub Enterprise at no cost for 12 months, but it is now only available through qualifying VC partners.
Is the GitHub for Startups programme still available through FounderPass?
No. FounderPass no longer offers direct access to the GitHub for Startups programme. If your startup is backed by a qualifying venture capital firm, you should check whether they are an official GitHub for Startups partner, as they may be able to refer you.
What is GitHub Enterprise?
GitHub Enterprise is GitHub's advanced plan for growing teams. It includes enhanced security, compliance controls, user management, auditing and administration features designed for businesses as they scale.
Do I need GitHub Enterprise as a startup?
Not necessarily. Many startups begin on GitHub's free or Team plans and only upgrade to Enterprise as their team grows or customer security and compliance requirements increase. If you're not eligible for GitHub Enterprise through your VC, the standard GitHub plans remain an excellent option.
What if I don't qualify for GitHub for Startups?
FounderPass members can access our exclusive JetBrains Startup Program, which includes 6 months of free access to all JetBrains products (up to 10 licences), 50% off commercial subscriptions from month 7, and a free 6-month JetBrains Space plan upgrade.
Is GitHub only for developers?
GitHub is primarily a platform for developers, but founders, product managers and operations teams also use it to track development, manage documentation, review changes and collaborate across the business.
Can non-technical founders use GitHub?
Yes. While GitHub is designed for software development, many non-technical founders use it to follow product progress and collaborate with their engineering team. A basic understanding of GitHub's interface and workflows is helpful.
How do I apply for GitHub for Startups?
Applications are no longer submitted through FounderPass. If your startup is backed by an eligible VC, contact your investor to find out whether they can refer you through the GitHub for Startups programme.
Can I apply if I already use GitHub?
Yes, provided you meet GitHub's current eligibility requirements. In general, the programme is intended for new GitHub Enterprise customers who have not previously received GitHub Enterprise startup benefits, although GitHub determines eligibility during the application process.
Deal change log
- June 30th 2026 - 12 months free ended
- January 13, 2026 - Update to content