OpenRouter for Startups

One API. Every Model. Zero Lock-In.

Eligible startups get up to $3,000 in universal inference credits usable across leading frontier and open models with 0% processing fees.

Join teams building on OpenRouter

What you get

Everything an early-stage team needs to build, experiment, and scale with AI — without managing multiple providers.

$3K

in universal inference credits

Usable across all 300+ models on OpenRouter — frontier and open-source.

processing fees for 12 months

Pay only for the tokens you use. No platform markup.

300+

models through one API

Switch between models instantly. No code changes, no new integrations.

Why startups choose OpenRouter

Unified Model Access

Access 300+ models through a single API — frontier and open-source, all in one place.

Seamless Switching

Switch models without rewriting code. Compare outputs, run A/B tests, find your fit.

Built-In Reliability

Intelligent routing and automatic failover keep your app running when providers go down.

Cost-Efficient Scaling

Optimize spend with auto-routing to lower-cost alternatives as your usage grows.

Are you eligible?

If you're an early-stage startup building with AI, you could get up to $3K in credits, access to 300+ models, and zero platform fees for a full year.

Pre-Series B stage startup

Building an AI-native product or service

Public company website

Professional company email address

OpenRouter account with less than $500 in lifetime spend

Haven't previously received startup credits

How to apply

Submit your application

Tell us about your startup and what you're building. Takes a couple minutes.

We review your details

Our team reviews applications based on eligibility and fit.

Get your credits

Approved startups receive inference credits and fee waivers.

Start shipping

Route across 300+ models and optimize for performance, cost, and reliability.

FAQ

Can't find what you need?
Reach out to [email protected]

OpenRouter's goal is to help early-stage teams build AI products without infrastructure constraints. The program allows startups to experiment across models, optimize cost and performance, and scale without vendor lock-in while building on OpenRouter.

Eligible startups can receive up to $3,000 in universal inference credits, usable across 300+ models available on OpenRouter, along with 0% processing fees for 12 months (including both platform fees and BYOK fees).

The program is designed for startups building AI-native products or services that are at a Pre-Series B stage. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in order to qualify, including having a public company website, a professional company email address, and a valid OpenRouter account with less than $500 in lifetime spend. Each applicant is allowed to receive startup credits once, even if they are affiliated with multiple partners. Review the full program's terms & conditions here.

You can apply by submitting the application form on this page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If approved, the credits and waived fees will be automatically applied to your OpenRouter account associated with an applicant email, and the applicant will be notified.

No. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, program availability may change over time.

Yes. OpenRouter supports both OpenRouter credits and the option to bring your own provider keys (BYOK). The cost of using custom provider keys on OpenRouter is 5% of what the same model/provider would cost normally on OpenRouter and is deducted from your OpenRouter credits. This fee is waived for the first 1M BYOK requests per month. However, if your OpenRouter for Startups application is approved, BYOK fees are waived for 12 months.

Yes. If approved, most credits expire 6 months after issuance. You'll receive an email notification about your credit expiration date. Your platform fees will be waived for 12 months.

Once you've used all your granted credits or they expire—whichever comes first—your account will continue operating under standard OpenRouter pricing. While some models are free to access, you'll need to purchase OpenRouter credits to use certain models. Your processing fees will remain waived for 12 months.

You can continue using OpenRouter with standard pay-as-you-go usage.

No. Startup credits are non-transferable, cannot be resold, and cannot be exchanged for cash.

No. OpenRouter does not sign NDAs as part of the application process. Please avoid submitting confidential information in your application.

If you are a VC fund, accelerator, or ecosystem organization, please reach out to [email protected].

Don't bet your company on a single model.

Receive up to $3K in universal inference credits and start routing across 300+ models with 0% processing fees.