No Decision After 7 Working Days + Portal Loop Issue – Rain Stella Technology
Hi Microsoft for Startups Community & Team, I am following up on my Microsoft for Startups application submitted on behalf of Rain Stella Technology, and would also like to flag a portal issue I experienced after the application was submitted. --- Application Status --- I received a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of my application, however it has now been 7 working days with no further communication — no approval, no decline, and no request for additional information. According to Microsoft's own guidelines, applications are typically reviewed within 3 business days. We are now more than double that timeframe with no update. Application Details: • Applicant Name: Khalid Adine • Startup Name: Rain Stella Technology • Status: Receipt confirmation received, no decision communicated since • Days Elapsed: 7 working days --- Portal Issue --- During and after submitting my application, I encountered a frustrating portal bug where, instead of displaying a confirmation screen or application status, the portal kept redirecting me back to the "Apply Now" screen — as if my submission had not been recorded. I received the receipt confirmation email, which confirmed the application went through, but the portal still does not reflect any application status. This caused significant confusion, and I wanted to flag it in case it is a widely known issue affecting other applicants. I also attempted to contact support via email (email address removed for privacy reasons), but the address returned a bounce error, leaving the forum and contact form as my only available channels. --- My Requests --- 1. Can someone from the team confirm the current status of our application? 2. Is any additional information or documentation required from our side? 3. Can the portal loop bug be investigated and fixed for other applicants facing the same issue? 4. What is the correct and currently working support email or channel for urgent queries? We are actively building our product and are eager to move forward with the program. Any update would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your time and support. Khalid Adine Founder, Rain Stella Technology
Founders Hub billing issue - stuck between Microsoft and ISV with no resolution path
Hi everyone, I'm reaching out to the community because I've hit a wall with standard support channels and hoping someone from the Founders Hub team or other founders who've faced similar issues can help. QUICK SUMMARY I'm a Founders Hub participant who got charged ~€1,000 for using Claude (Anthropic) models through Azure AI Foundry. I assumed these were covered by my $25k Sponsorship credits since: • I used ai.azure.com (not a separate marketplace) • There was no clear warning about separate billing • There's no way to monitor Marketplace spending in Founders Hub THE PROBLEM: I'm stuck in a loop: • Microsoft says "contact the ISV for refund approval" • Anthropic says "billing is handled by Microsoft, not us" • The "Support" link Microsoft points to redirects back to Microsoft Support I've sent detailed emails explaining this circular situation. Support keeps responding with the same copy-paste policy text, ignoring my request for escalation. MY ASK 1. Is there a dedicated support channel for Founders Hub billing issues? 2. Has anyone from the Founders Hub team dealt with similar Marketplace confusion before? 3. Any founders here who successfully resolved unexpected Marketplace charges? I'm not trying to get something for free - I already paid the first invoice (€460). I just want help with the second invoice that surprised me a month later. The Founders Hub program has been great otherwise, but this experience has been really frustrating. Any pointers would be hugely appreciated. Thanks! Bartek
Founders Hub Application Blocked - LinkedIn Linked to Previous Startup Account
Hello Microsoft Community, I'm hoping someone here might be able to offer some guidance or point me in the right direction regarding an issue I'm facing with a Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub application. I recently applied for the Founders Hub program for my new startup using my LinkedIn profile as required. My application was rejected with the reason given: "your startup has already been accepted into Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub." I believe this happened because my LinkedIn profile is still associated with a previous startup I founded and exited several years ago. That previous membership was tied to an old email address that I no longer have access to. It seems this persistent link between my LinkedIn profile and my old startup is preventing my application my new startup from being processed based on its own merits. I'm unable to submit a support request through the official Founders Hub channel as I'm consistently redirected to funding application page. Does anyone in the community have experience with this specific type of identity conflict? Is there a particular team or escalation path within Microsoft for Startups that handles these kinds of legacy account association issues for the Founders Hub, especially when standard support channels might be slow or difficult for unique cases like this? Any advice or pointers on how best to get this resolved would be greatly appreciated, as I'm currently blocked from proceeding with the Founders Hub for my new venture. Thank you for your time and help!Startup Showcase: 3-2-1-GoCheck
3-2-1-GoCheck, a global background checking startup, and has revolutionized its services by leveraging the Microsoft Founders Hub program. The company offers its comprehensive background checking solutions as a Software as a Service (SaaS), and Founders' Hub benefits have enhanced its accessibility and efficiency. Learn more about 3-2-1-GoCheck: https://youtu.be/jrLkGATZlys?list=PLmsFUfdnGr3ySsJ3KGv7QzHJjkIEd78t6Startup Showcase: Ignitus
In today's fast-paced world, accessible career advice is more crucial than ever. Recognizing this need, Ignitus is offering a unique coaching platform that transcends traditional mentorship. By integrating AI and video coaching, they aim to democratize learning and provide an inclusive experience for all.Startups Assemble Virtual Conference Recap
If you're on the path to becoming an entrepreneur with a keen interest in leveraging cutting-edge technology, you've come to the right place. This blog recaps the Startups Assemble conference that was held a guide for startups into the world of Founders' Hub. Here, you'll find insights from industry experts, success stories from peers, and a wealth of knowledge on how to harness the power of AI effectively.
