Woofun AI reports that major AI firms including OpenAI and Anthropic are distributing substantial free compute credits and discounts to startups to secure long-term corporate clients. Early-stage companies receive cloud computing and token limits exceeding $3 million, a figure comparable to the median U.S. seed round funding. These initiatives aim to integrate AI tools into startup operations during their formative stages.

OpenAI and Anthropic have specifically targeted Y Combinator startups. OpenAI initially offered $2 million in token limits for equity, later adjusting to provide $500,000 free with an option for an additional $1.5 million via equity exchange. Anthropic raised its free limit for YC startups from $30,000 to $500,000 without equity requirements. With Y Combinator hosting approximately 200 companies per batch across four annual programs, OpenAI and Anthropic could collectively distribute up to $800 million in AI limits over the next year. Other providers like Google Cloud, Microsoft, and AWS also offer significant credits and support.