Deepgram
Deepgram Startup Program
Up to $100K in Deepgram speech-to-text, TTS and voice-agent credits over 12 months; direct applicants start at $1,000.
Ways to get it
Apply directly
$1,000 to start, tiers up to $100,000
- AI builder or early-stage startup
- In production or launching within 6 months
Via Deepgram VC, accelerator and startup-network partners
Via VC or accelerator partner
Enhanced offer listed on your partner's perks page
- Referred by one of Deepgram's partner firms
Deepgram does not publish its partner list or partner amounts on the program page.
Open program page
Eligibility
Requirements
- AI builder or early-stage startup building its own voice AI product
- In production or launching within the next 6 months
- Committed to building and engaging with Deepgram's startup community
- More than $10M raised is reviewed case by case
Not eligible
- Agencies and consultants building on behalf of clients
How to apply
- 1
Sign up for a Deepgram account (new accounts get $200 in promotional credit immediately).
- 2
If a VC, accelerator or startup network backs you, check its perks page for Deepgram's partner offer and apply through it.
- 3
Otherwise submit the form at deepgram.com/startup-program describing your startup and how you plan to use voice AI.
- 4
Deepgram typically replies within a week; credits are deposited in your console 24–48 hours after approval.
- 5
Grow your usage to qualify for higher tiers, up to $100,000.
Gotchas
- Direct applicants start at $1,000; $100,000 is the top tier, reached as usage grows or through partner offers.
- Each credit grant expires 12 months after it is issued.
- Agencies and consultants building for clients are not eligible.
- Raised more than $10M? You can still apply, but Deepgram reviews it case by case.
About the Deepgram program
Deepgram for Startups grants credits for Deepgram's speech-to-text, text-to-speech and Voice Agent APIs. The headline is up to $100,000 in credits, to be used within 12 months. Deepgram's FAQ says direct applicants start with $1,000 in Startup Program credits and can move up to tiers worth up to $100,000 as they grow and deepen their usage.
The amount depends on your stage, how you plan to use Deepgram and whether a partner refers you. Deepgram works with VC firms, accelerators and startup networks that have enhanced offers for their portfolios; if you apply through one, the specific offer is listed on that partner's perks page.
Applicants must be an AI builder or early-stage startup, in production or launching within six months, and committed to engaging with Deepgram's startup community. Existing Deepgram customers can apply, and companies that have raised more than $10M are reviewed case by case. Agencies and consultants building for clients are not eligible.
Deepgram typically responds within a week, and credits are deposited in your console 24–48 hours after approval. Each grant expires 12 months after it is issued. This is separate from the $200 promotional credit every new Deepgram account gets at signup.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Deepgram give startups?
Up to $100,000 in credits. Direct applicants start with $1,000 in Startup Program credits and can upgrade to higher tiers as usage grows; partner-referred startups get the offer listed on their partner's perks page.
Do Deepgram startup credits expire?
Yes. Each credit grant expires 12 months from when it is issued.
Can existing Deepgram customers apply to the startup program?
Yes. Deepgram reviews all applications case by case, including from current customers who meet the criteria.
