Together AI for Startups
Credits for fast inference and fine-tuning of open-source models
Platform credits for Together AI inference and fine-tuning
- Best for
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Available in
- Global
- Program type
- Credits
- Last verified
- Apr 20, 2026
About this program
Together AI is the hosted inference layer most AI-native teams reach for when they want to serve an open-weight model in production without standing up their own GPU cluster. Llama, Mistral, Mixtral, DeepSeek, Qwen, and Gemma are the usual names; Together's platform covers both standard and dedicated inference, plus fine-tuning for several of the model families it hosts.
The startup program extends platform credits against Together AI's pay-as-you-go billing for eligible early-stage teams. Partner-routed applications (through accelerators, VC funds, and AI-focused networks) typically surface larger packages; direct applications are reviewed for teams with a concrete production use case on Together. Specific credit sizes and program durations have been revised as the product has evolved, so the current program terms are the source of truth rather than whatever your peer company received six months ago.
For most AI-native teams, Together AI sits alongside a proprietary-model provider rather than replacing one. OpenAI or Anthropic credits cover the closed-weight side; Together AI credits cover open-weight inference and fine-tuning. Teams that run on multiple models or want cost-efficient open-weight inference at scale tend to end up using Together regardless of which proprietary stack they are on.
What you get
- Platform credits for Together AI inference and fine-tuning
- Offer type: Credits · Software Access
Eligibility
AI-native early-stage startups building products on open-source models. Entry points include accelerator and VC partner routes as well as direct applications for teams with concrete production use cases.
- Stage
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Region
- Global
- Incorporation required
- Yes
How to apply
- Check whether your accelerator, incubator, or lead investor has a Together AI partnership.
- If partner-routed, request an activation code through the partner's portfolio team.
- For direct applications, reach out through together.ai with company details and expected inference volume.
- After approval, apply the credit on your Together AI account and start calling the inference or fine-tuning endpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Which models does Together AI support?
Hundreds of open-source and open-weight models including the Llama family, Mistral and Mixtral, DeepSeek, Qwen, Gemma, and others, typically available for both standard and dedicated inference. Specific model availability changes as new open-weight models ship; the current catalog is on the Together AI pricing page.
What is included in the startup program?
Platform credits that apply against Together AI's inference and fine-tuning billing. Exact credit sizes and durations depend on the track you come in through and have shifted over time, so confirm the specific terms before planning around a particular figure.
How does this compare to OpenAI or Anthropic credits?
OpenAI and Anthropic credits apply against their proprietary models. Together AI credits apply against open-source and open-weight models hosted on Together's platform. Many AI-native startups layer both: closed-weight models for certain tasks, open-weight models (via Together AI, Modal, or Hugging Face) for others.
Does Together AI offer fine-tuning?
Yes. Together AI supports fine-tuning across several of the open-weight models it hosts. Credits from the startup program generally apply to both inference and fine-tuning usage; confirm coverage of specific model families with Together AI if fine-tuning a particular model is load-bearing for your stack.
You'll be redirected to Together AI to apply. FounderDeals never handles applications.
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