Datadog for Startups
Free observability across infrastructure, APM, and logs for eligible early-stage startups
Free Datadog plan for qualifying early-stage startups
- Best for
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Available in
- Global
- Program type
- Free Tier
- Last verified
- Apr 19, 2026
About this program
Datadog for Startups is the observability equivalent of a cloud credits program. A year of Datadog on a capped team size is enough to instrument a startup's infrastructure, application performance, and logs without paying the full commercial rate while you are finding product-market fit. Most teams instrument early because retrofitting APM and logs into a running production system is more painful than adding it while the stack is small.
The practical trade-off is that the program covers a capped number of hosts, users, and product modules. Newer products (session replay, security monitoring, advanced RUM tiers) are typically outside the startup scope and priced normally. Founders should plan for a second look at Datadog economics around the end of year one, since that is usually when usage has grown enough to matter.
What you get
- Free Datadog plan for qualifying early-stage startups
- 12-month window to apply benefits
- Offer type: Free Tier · Credits
Eligibility
Early-stage startups under a team-size cap and with limited institutional funding. Exact cutoffs shift over time and should be verified on the current program page before applying.
- Stage
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Region
- Global
- Incorporation required
- Yes
How to apply
- Fill out the Datadog for Startups application on the Datadog site.
- Provide company information, team size, funding stage, and the Datadog products you expect to use.
- Datadog reviews applications and responds with approval or follow-up questions.
- Once approved, the startup plan is activated on the Datadog organization account.
Frequently asked questions
Which Datadog products are included in the startup plan?
Historically the plan covers core products such as Infrastructure Monitoring, APM, and Log Management for a capped team size. Advanced or newer products may require an upgrade. Verify the current inclusions on the Datadog program page.
What happens after the free year?
After the startup period, your account transitions to standard Datadog pricing based on your usage. Most teams renegotiate plans and host counts at that point.
Is the program available outside the US?
Yes. Datadog for Startups accepts applications globally. The product itself is available across Datadog's cloud regions.
Can we join if we've already signed a Datadog contract?
Teams already on paid plans typically are not eligible to restart under the startup program. The program is aimed at new early-stage teams.
You'll be redirected to Datadog to apply. FounderDeals never handles applications.
Alternatives to Datadog for Startups
Other dev tools programs founders weigh against Datadog. Each links out to the provider's official page.
