GitHub for Startups - Free GitHub Enterprise for Your Team
Get up to 20 seats of GitHub Enterprise free for one year to help your startup build, collaborate, and scale securely.
Key Points
- Free GitHub Enterprise for one year - up to 20 seats
- Advanced Security tools like code scanning & secret scanning
- Community support & guidance from GitHub experts
- 50% discount in year two for eligible startups
"GitHub for Startups gave our team a professional development platform from day one. Advanced security features and automation tools helped us release faster while keeping our code secure."
Quick Facts
How to Apply
- 1Visit the GitHub for Startups website.
- 2Complete the application form with company details.
- 3Provide documentation of funding stage and partner affiliation if available.
- 4Await review (typically 5-7 business days).
About This Offer
The GitHub for Startups program offers early-stage companies **free access to GitHub Enterprise for one year**, with up to 20 seats included. This helps technical teams manage their codebases, automate CI/CD pipelines, and ensure code security using GitHub’s most advanced features.
**Key benefits include:**
• Advanced Security Features: Access code scanning, secret scanning, and dependency review. • Collaborative Workflows: Use GitHub Actions to automate testing, deployment, and infrastructure management. • Community Support: Receive guidance from GitHub’s startup team and join a global network of founders. • Long-Term Savings: After the first free year, eligible startups can continue with a **50% discount** in year two.
Ideal for software startups that want secure, scalable developer tooling from day one.
Key Benefits
- Access to 20 seats of GitHub Enterprise for one year, free of charge
- Advanced security tools: code scanning, secret scanning, and dependency review
- Automation via GitHub Actions to streamline DevOps processes
- Community support from GitHub’s global startup network
- 50% discount on Enterprise in the second year
Industry Use Cases
DevOps Teams
Implement secure CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, and manage infrastructure as code.
Open Source Projects
Maintain and grow open-source projects using GitHub’s advanced repository management and collaboration features.
AI & Data Startups
Leverage GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding and automate workflows for faster feature delivery.
GitHub Enterprise for Startups: Common Questions Answered
Can we add more than 20 seats to our free plan?
The startup program covers exactly 20 seats. Additional seats can be purchased at 40% off enterprise pricing during your first year.
What security features are included?
You get code scanning, secret scanning, and dependency review - tools that help prevent 98% of critical vulnerabilities according to GitHub's 2023 security report.
How does the 50% second-year discount work?
If you maintain under 100 employees, you'll lock in half-price enterprise licensing for year two. This includes all advanced security and management features.
Do we need to be VC-backed to qualify?
While VC affiliation helps, we also accept startups from approved accelerators or with technical advisors from our partner network. Revenue-based startups may qualify with traction proof.
Prerequisites
- Startup must be at early-stage (Series A or earlier).
- Must not be an existing GitHub Enterprise customer.
- Affiliation with a GitHub partner (accelerator, VC, or community) is recommended but not mandatory.
- Startups with fewer than 100 employees have priority.