Startup program
UP
We are very proud to present one of the most advanced programmes in the cloud sector for startups: UP!
We don’t just give you credits, we give you the support you need to succeed and grow your business!
There is more to life than credits
Starting and bootstrapping in the cloud as a Startup is an art. That’s why Clever Cloud created its startup program : UP.
With our cloud programme for startups, you can take advantage of exclusive benefits to help your infrastructure grow with peace of mind:
- Up to 10 000€ cloud credits for your first year
- Onboarding on our platform and training with our Engineers
- Monthly coaching session
- Premium access to our all-stars support
- Workshop and Masterclass for your technical teams
- Mentoring for founders and for your technical teams
- Visibility on Clever Cloud media, network and events
- Access to financial planning and structuring tools
As part of the UP program, startups can access Angel Start. From business plan creation to cash flow forecasting and simplified financial planning, Angel Start is designed to help founders maintain a clear view of their financial trajectory and make the right decisions at the right time.
First class partners
The best part: we’re not offering a sub-product here. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we value your work, and that’s why we commit ourselves to the best assistance we can. You’ll benefit from special onboarding: a personalized training by our Technical Account Managers (TAM), tailored to your technologies.
Moreover, you will have the opportunity to take part in our certification training programme, in collaboration with Ecole Hexagone. So our PaaS will hold no secrets for you, and you’ll be able to get the most out of it. If you need time to discuss a specific technology (Rust or Scala, for example), we’ll put you in touch with one of our engineers. You have a question ? Our Support Team usually responds within fifteen minutes and a ticket lasts for less than two days: you’ll never feel alone with us. The aim of this program is to give you the keys to ensuring that the cloud doesn’t hold you back, but accelerates your project and ultimately your business.
Next selection for the UP Programme
Next selection in — days, on 7 January 2027.
How to apply?
Fill the form below, then we will contact you to schedule a 30 min call with our Startup Program Manager to get to know each other. This will be an opportunity to understand your needs and what we can do for you.
Startups we already support
Startups supported by the UP program
We make a great team with them!
Q&A — UP Programme
What is Clever Cloud’s UP Programme?
Clever Cloud’s UP Programme is a support programme designed primarily for technology startups entering an acceleration phase. Its objective is to help them build, deploy and scale their products on cloud infrastructure that can grow with them, while keeping cloud costs under control and giving them access to technical and business support.
Selected startups can benefit from cloud credits, onboarding and training with Clever Cloud teams, coaching, support, workshops, mentoring and financial planning tools.
What types of startups can apply to the UP Programme?
The UP Programme is designed primarily for technology startups entering an acceleration phase: their product has launched, adoption is growing, and new challenges are emerging around infrastructure, cloud costs and scaling.
At this stage, improving the way infrastructure is operated and controlling cloud costs can help a startup free up resources to invest elsewhere in its growth, including product development, recruitment, marketing or sales.
The stage of the product, whether a legal entity has already been established, the team’s current needs and the value Clever Cloud can bring to the project are among the elements considered during the application process.
UP Programme cohorts include startups from a wide range of industries.
Can we apply if our product is still in development or at MVP stage?
Yes. Startups whose product is still in development, at minimum viable product (MVP) stage or in beta can apply to the UP Programme.
However, the UP Programme is designed primarily for startups that have moved beyond the very first stages of launching their product and are entering an acceleration phase. The stage of the product therefore helps the UP team understand the maturity of the project and assess whether the programme is relevant at that point in its development.
Do we need to have established a legal entity before applying?
No. You do not need to have established a legal entity to apply to the UP Programme. This information is, however, taken into account when assessing the maturity of the startup and adapting the conversations that follow the application.
Is there a minimum MRR required to apply to the UP Programme?
No. There is no minimum monthly recurring revenue (MRR) required to apply to the UP Programme.MRR mainly helps the team understand the startup’s current stage of development. Having no revenue yet, or a low MRR, does not on its own determine whether an application is relevant. Startups whose business model is not based on recurring revenue can also apply.
What are the selection criteria for the UP Programme?
The UP Programme is selective and each application is considered as a whole.
The elements reviewed include the stage of the product, the growth of its usage, the level of maturity of the startup, its current needs, its technical context and the challenges the team is trying to solve.
The UP team looks in particular at whether the startup is entering an acceleration phase in which Clever Cloud can provide genuine value, and why joining the programme is relevant at that specific point in the company’s development.
What are the benefits of the UP Programme?
Selected startups can benefit from:
- up to €10,000 in cloud credits during their first year;
- onboarding onto the Clever Cloud platform and training with our engineers;
- monthly coaching;
- access to Clever Cloud support;
- workshops and masterclasses for technical teams;
- mentoring for founders and technical teams;
- visibility through Clever Cloud media, social channels and events;
- financial planning and business structuring tools.
The objective is to help teams spend more of their time on their product, users and market without allowing infrastructure to become a barrier to growth.
Do we need to be a Clever Cloud customer before applying?
No. You do not need to be an existing Clever Cloud customer to apply to the UP Programme. The application form simply asks whether you already use Clever Cloud to provide additional context about your startup.
Is the UP Programme only open to French startups?
No. The UP Programme is open to startups from France and other countries. Applications and support are therefore not limited to companies established in France.
How does the UP Programme application process work?
To apply to the UP Programme, first complete the application form on this page. It asks about your startup, your product and its current stage, your team, your technical context and the main challenges you are facing. The UP team will then review this information and contact you to arrange a conversation suited to your situation. The purpose of this conversation is to better understand your project, your needs and how Clever Cloud could support you.Selected startups then join the next UP Programme cohort.
When is the next UP Programme selection?
The next UP Programme selection will take place on 7 January 2027. Applications can be submitted now using the form on this page.