Program benefits:

  • Highest value cloud startup offering in market—Up to $120K USD of IBM Cloud services

  • Only vendor with a program to connect entrepreneurs and enterprise clients (1)

  • Extensive global network of local technical expertise at 43 Innovation Centers worldwide

  • A leading vendor to offer go-to-market and mentor advice to entrepreneurs

(1) Among public cloud providers with more than $1B in 4 quarter trailing revenue according to “TBR 2Q-2014 Public Cloud Benchmark – Cloud Business Quarterly”, 10/1/2014

Program includes the following IBM Cloud Services:

Who is the program for?

Available to eligible startup companies that meet the program criteria once their application submissions have been qualified and approved by IBM. Once accepted, the program is valid for 12 months.

In which countries is this offering available?

The IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups will be available in every country in which Bluemix and SoftLayer services are currently offered.

How can startups apply to participate in this program?

Startup organizations first need to submit an application. The application will be reviewed by IBM. Upon approval, the company’s submitter will receive an email notification from IBM with specific instructions on how to gain access to the program’s cloud services and benefits.

Why should my startup join this program?

In this program, IBM is offering startups access to our enterprise-class cloud platforms and services at no cost. IBM’s Cloud platforms are designed to empower companies to innovate rapidly by providing a full suite of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a service (PaaS) offerings.

This program enables startups to move rapidly from idea to application, providing access to more than 100 IBM services. These services allow developers to stitch together an application or update in minutes, while also providing access to IBM’s full suite of integrated DevOps, giving them a platform to drive their agile development. All of these services are offered on IBM’s SoftLayer IaaS, which positions them for rapid growth through instant scalability and global reach.

What type of services will be available as part of this program?

At launch, approved startups will receive platform credits for Bluemix services and SoftLayer hosting credits that include dedicated servers, cloud servers, or a hybrid of both.

Initial services will include SoftLayer and Bluemix, including Cloudant and Performance Management on Bluemix.

How do startups qualify for this offering?

This offering is targeted at early stage companies. IBM is offering up to $120K USD of cloud credits.

Credit caps will be at $10,000 USD per month total for those eligible entrepreneurs with the criteria below who are working with an IBM approved VC, accelerator, or incubator. Other eligible entrepreneurs can receive up to $2,000 USD per month total.

Qualification criteria:

  • Less than five years since first incorporation
  • Less than $1M USD in annual revenue
  • Not a previous program user
  • Cannot be a prior customer
  • Affiliation to IBM preferred community
  • IBM reserves the right to prioritize based on additional criteria

Note: To receive up to $120K USD in credits, startups must also be working with an IBM approved VC, accelerator, incubator, or community partner.

What is the process for startups to participate?

Applicants must complete the application process.

For participation at the $2,000 USD per month level, acceptance or rejection will be based on the submitted information as verified by IBM.

For participation at the $10,000 USD per month level, IBM will contact the applicant to discuss additional factors necessary to determine eligibility for the higher credit.

Decisions regarding participation in this program are made by IBM in its sole discretion. IBM may, in the interest of furthering the goals of the program as a whole, modify or waive eligibility requirements on a case-by-case basis.

How do startups know which services they qualify for? When will they be informed?

If an organization meets the necessary criteria, IBM will send an email advising them that they have been accepted, along with instructions on how to access their benefits.

Participants in the program will be provided with a cloud usage credit. Except for the applicability of this credit, participant’s usage of the individual IBM Cloud services will be subject to the normal terms and conditions associated with that IBM Cloud service. For those IBM Cloud services that offer separately priced support offerings, part of the cloud usage credit will be applied to those support offerings.

Upon acceptance into the program, the participant must identify to IBM:

  1. The share of the available credit to be allocated to each IBM Cloud service (such as Bluemix or SoftLayer), and
  2. The IBM ID and email address associated with the IBM Cloud accounts to which the cloud usage credits will be applied.

Under the program, cloud usage credits are available on a monthly basis. Excess credits above actual usage in any month are lost. Usage of an IBM Cloud service above the level of the available credits will be billed in accordance with the normal terms for that service.

What will startups be able to do with these services?

A startup company in the program will receive an IBM designated amount of usage credit based on the vetting and qualification level. The IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups offer will provide up to $10,000 USD per month of cloud credits for approved startups to access IBM’s Bluemix PaaS and SoftLayer IaaS for up to 12 months. IBM is also providing access to its global IBM Innovation Centers to provide technical consulting and support.

Bluemix platform usage credit. Companies are able to use the credit for Bluemix and all Bluemix services up to the brand program benefit maximum for the startup. (Up to $10,000 USD per month or $2,000 USD per month maximum based on qualification and vetting and allocation percentage selected.)

SoftLayer hosting credits that include dedicated servers, cloud servers or a hybrid of both; up to the brand program benefit maximum for the startup. (Up to $10,000 USD per month or $2,000 USD per month maximum based on qualification and vetting and allocation percentage selected.)

How long can these services be used free of charge? What is the duration of the offering?

Regardless of the program level, services can be used free of charge up to the monthly usage credit cap by brand for up to 12 months. The duration of the offering for a startup company is 12 months.

If the startup exceeds their monthly brand usage credit cap, the startup must pay for any usage and services consumed above their allowable monthly cap by brand and would receive an invoice for any overage charges.

How will IBM determine which startups qualify for the $120K USD of services?

Applicants must complete the application process. For participation at the $2,000 USD per month level, acceptance or rejection will be based on the submitted information as verified by IBM. For participation at the $10,000 USD per month level, IBM will contact the applicant to discuss additional factors necessary to determine eligibility for the higher credit.

Decisions regarding participation in this program are made by IBM in its sole discretion. IBM may, in the interest of furthering the goals of the program as a whole, modify or waive eligibility requirements on a case-by-case basis.

This program is designed for startup businesses. As such, to be eligible to participate, an applicant:

  1. Must have been founded (if the applicant is a corporation, must have been incorporated) within the 5 years immediately preceding the application;
  2. Must have less than $1,000,000 USD in revenues during the 12 months immediately preceding the application;
  3. Must not have been a paying customer of any of the covered IBM Cloud services prior to the application; and
  4. To be eligible for participation at the US$ 10,000 per month level, must be working with an approved entrepreneurial community partner (such as a VC, accelerator, or incubator). Startups can contact their community partner to find out more.

Are there restrictions on how my organization uses the $120K USD across SoftLayer, Bluemix, or both? Is there a prescribed combination? Can we use it all on one service?

Startups who qualify will be provided either $10,000 USD or $2,000 USD maximum per month of free platform usage credit. Upon acceptance, the participant will request how much credit they want to apply to each brand platform (for example: Bluemix; services on Bluemix, SoftLayer, or both). Once selected, that level of credit will be provided to each platform service monthly. If your startup has a need to change preselected platform allocations during the 12 month period, your IBM representative will have a review process for change requests for consideration on an individual basis.

If we need to change previously selected platform allocation percentage, how can we do this?

If your startup has a need to change preselected platform allocations during the 12 month period, your IBM representative will have a review process for change requests for consideration on an individual basis.

Does the credit apply to third-party applications available in the IBM Cloud marketplace or Bluemix?

The credit applies to Bluemix services; however, it does not apply to third-party applications available in the IBM Cloud marketplace.

How will I keep track of my usage? How often can I check and how will I be notified as I approach my limits?

Bluemix and SoftLayer provide tools to independently monitor and track usage throughout the month through the brands’ respective online user console tools. IBM will not notify the user during the month; the user is accountable to monitor usage on their own.

At the end of the month, IBM will send to the startup:

  • A credit invoice to the startup if they are under their usage credit maximum with a $0 USD balance; or
  • An invoice for payment due if the startup exceeds the monthly usage credit maximum.

Is marketing support available for participants as part of the program?

Startups will have access to IBM marketing promotion, increased visibility and connection opportunities with IBM global startup community partners, PR opportunities, and special events. In addition, IBM offers a wide range of marketing support for startups that are available from IBM Global Entrepreneur and PartnerWorld marketing offerings that can help you identify new target industries, build campaigns, and get access to mentorship and digital media marketing.

I’ve already started paying for SoftLayer, Bluemix, or both. Am I still eligible?

Credit cannot be applied to cloud services for which you have previously been a paying customer. Those who have Bluemix trial accounts and have not made any purchases from IBM through Bluemix or SoftLayer will still be eligible.

If I am a graduate company of an IBM approved entrepreneurial partner (incubator, accelerator, VC, or IBM Global Entrepreneur member), do I qualify for the higher level of benefits?

Yes. If you are a graduate of one IBM’s community partners, you may be eligible for the $120K USD offer.

SoftLayer Catalyst members

How does this new program relate to the IBM SoftLayer Catalyst partner program?

Since its acquisition, SoftLayer has become the galvanizing force behind IBM’s rapid acceleration to cloud leadership. Now, with the new IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups, startups and entrepreneurs can harness this cloud leadership, as well as deeply connect into IBM’s vast global network of enterprise clients, consultants, IBM Innovation Centers, and more to rapidly build innovations, scale quickly, and accelerate growth.

This program enables existing SoftLayer Catalyst members to both increase their SoftLayer footprint* and extend their use to IBM Bluemix and the many services it includes, while empowering new Business Partners the choice to use either service.

* If your startup joined the SoftLayer Catalyst prior to 10 Nov 2014 and is accepted into the IBM Global Entrepreneur program for Cloud Startups, your startup can extend the amount of Softlayer credits. However, Softlayer credits will expire exactly one year to the date of your SoftLayer Catalyst application.

If I am already a member of the IBM SoftLayer Catalyst partner program, can I apply to this program?

This program extends the Catalyst program. Therefore, Catalyst members, who are not Bluemix customers today, are pre-approved for the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups. To access all the program benefits and to start your usage credits, you must complete the program application and specify Both Bluemix & SoftLayer IaaS. Get started today with the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups.

If I am a graduate of the Catalyst program or a current SoftLayer customer, am I eligible to reapply for an extension of credits due to the offer increase?

No. As with all businesses, IBM and SoftLayer continue to evolve. This offering is unique and new and is focused on teaching new startup companies about infrastructure, what it means to your business, and how to use IBM and SoftLayer’s best-in-market infrastructure and services. This is our new, incorporated, unified cloud offering for startups that will be fully integrated into the IBM Ecosystem over time.

Does the announcement of the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups mean that I will be able to reset my annual clock of credits?

No. The amount of time you have remaining in the Catalyst program stays the same—your credits always expire exactly one year to the date of your application. However, the amount of credits received can be changed for whatever time remains in your Catalyst program.

How do I assess my credits between SoftLayer and Bluemix? Is there a function in place that will monitor my spending?

For SoftLayer, you can see the current spending and available credit under your account tab in the SoftLayer Customer Portal.

For Bluemix, you can monitor your spending and credit through the Bluemix user account page.

Will I have one point of contact for the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups?

Yes, the verification process will give you a single point of contact for SoftLayer and the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program for Cloud Startups. That single point of contact may introduce you to others to fill a certain need, but will remain your single point of contact.

Technical support

How do participants get access to technical support?

Technical support is provided through the account set up within Bluemix and SoftLayer. Startups are required to sign up for support, which will be funded through their platform credits. Additionally, startups will be able to schedule time at one of our global IBM Innovation Centers to access the resources provided by each center.

What training is available for participants?

Training is available to startup participants through our IBM Bluemix Days delivered through our IBM Innovation Centers. Participants can also schedule a meeting with one of our Innovation Centers.

Can startups deploy the applications they created using this offering into production?

Applications that startups create during the offering period can be deployed into production.

What is the process for a startup to terminate its participation in the program?

To terminate participation in the program, contact your IBM representative and confirm your desire to terminate participation in writing. All credit left as part of the program will be forfeited.

IBM’s commitment to entrepreneurs

Why is IBM investing in entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs are crucial for future proofing our business. Entrepreneurs are the golden ticket to market growth and innovation. Did you know that over $4.6B USD has been invested by VCs into Cloud Computing over the last year and that first quarter 2014 was the biggest funding quarter over the last 5 years? All of us need to court this important segment of the market.

In short, startups are vital members of our ecosystem. Together, we join in new and dynamic ways to work with flexibility, agility, and speed to strengthen new markets like cloud, mobile, big data, and analytics.