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.
