For many founders, the path to building a successful startup often feels like a choice between two extremes: bootstrapping into slow growth or raising venture capital and immediately diluting ownership. However, a third path exists that is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for the world’s most ambitious builders. Non-dilutive funding in the form of grants, fellowships, and service credits allows founders to extend their runway, experiment with frontier technology, and build prototypes without giving up a single percentage of equity.In 2026, the ecosystem for non-dilutive capital has expanded significantly, particularly in the realms of Artificial Intelligence and “hard tech.” This guide outlines the essential programs every founder should know, ranging from massive cloud infrastructure credits to prestigious personal fellowships.Top Cloud Credits for Startups in 2026: AWS, Google, Microsoft & More”The largest “hidden” source of funding for modern startups is the cloud. Major providers now offer six-figure credit packages that can effectively eliminate infrastructure costs for the first two years of a company’s life. Program Core Benefit Strategic Value Google for Startups Cloud Program Up to $350,000 in credits Best-in-class for AI startups; includes access to Gemini models and DeepMind mentorship. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub Up to $150,000 in Azure…  ​Read MoreStartupTalky- Business News, Insights and Stories

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