Ask HN: Microsoft for Startups: $150k Azure credits, excluding GPU instances?
So I joined Microsoft for Startups https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups which is a really great offer from Microsoft which gives you up to $150,000 in Azure credits.

It's a great program because unlike Google's startup credits program, you do not have to be funded by a venture capitalist.

It's a great program also because unlike Amazon's Activate program for startup program, they provide a clear path for how to get the credits and appear willing to actually deliver - Amazon seems to talk a big game on credits but it's notoriously hard to get much more than a few thousand dollars of credits, even though they often talk about access to up to $100,000 of credits.

So, I join Microsoft for Startups and I'm really excited because my startup needs GPU processing power. Like so many modern startups, GPUs are what its all about - AI / graphics and other modern technologies are enabling cutting edge technology.

And I get my Azure account set up and try to launch a GPU instance. And Azure won't give me access to GPU instances.

And after much backing and forthing with Azure support via email over the course of a few days, I get this email:

Hello Andrew,

You recently contacted us requesting access to the NVads A10 v4-series virtual machines through your free/benefit subscription. Unfortunately, we are unable to approve this request. Due to high demand for these graphics-enabled VM types, availability is limited for customers using free/benefit subscriptions. Please consider alternative VM types that may be suitable for your requirements, or consider creating a new pay-as-you-go subscription to explore expanded access through a separate paid subscription..

Thanks for patience and cooperation.

Support Engineer | Global Capacity Support
For Microsoft Customer Service and Support
Working Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Tue-Sat) PST | Local Time

Hmmmm ... OK, so I'm not allowed to use the most powerful GPU instances on Azure because I am on a "free" program.

And following more emails back and forth I ask, "well, is there ANY GPU instance I can use"?

Hello Andrew,

Hope you're doing well! Unfortunately, we could not commit that which GPU VM will be available for you.

Please consider switching to Pay as you Go subscription since you're on free subscription.

Regards,
Support Engineer | Global Capacity Support
For Microsoft Customer Service and Support
Working Hours: 16:30 PM - 01:00 AM (SUN-THUR) PST | Local Time

Answer: "you can't use any GPU instances unless you start paying".

So it seems that Microsoft for Startups Azure users are second class citizens on Azure - asking to use a GPU instance, you are directed instead to sign up for a paid subscription.

I did have some AWS credits a year or two back, and I could use them for any service except buying domains, and I ran a number of very powerful GPU instances using those credits.

Seems like a "bait and switch" kind of thing, in which Microsoft for Startups waves its arms around alot, talking about supporting innovative startups, and then when you need to get some real work done on Azure, they tell you to go buy a paid plan.

What do you think of this? Is it "beggars can't be choosers", or "bait and switch"? What's the point of a big plan to support startups which excludes GPU instances?