Pinecone Pinecone for Startups
Managed vector database for AI search and retrieval applications
Redeem on Pinecone ↗About
Comprehensive startup program offering free access to Pinecone's purpose-built vector database with Standard Tier features, Pro Support, and technical guidance for scaling AI applications from POC to production. Includes advanced features like RBAC, backups, multi-cloud deployment, and dedicated Slack support.
Tiers
Standard Tier Access
up to 840Free access to Pinecone's Standard Tier with Pro Support for qualifying startups
- Free access to Pinecone's Standard Tier (normally $70/month)
- Pro Support with faster response times and dedicated Slack channel
- Multi-cloud deployment with RBAC and automated backups
- Enterprise features: Private Endpoints, SSO, and customer-managed encryption
- Technical guidance for scaling from POC to production
- Fewer than 100 employees
- Series A funding stage or earlier
- Building AI/ML applications requiring vector search
- Active development using vector embeddings
- Submit Application. Complete the startup program application form with company details Apply Now ↗
- Company Verification. Provide proof of company size and funding status Submit Documentation ↗
- Technical Review. Describe your AI/ML use case and vector search requirements Technical Assessment ↗
FAQ
What is included in Pinecone's Standard Tier?
The Standard Tier includes serverless vector database access, multi-cloud deployment options, RBAC, backups, import capabilities, Prometheus metrics, and 99.95% uptime SLA - normally priced at $70/month.
How long does the startup program last?
The program provides 12 months of free access from approval, with possible extensions for qualifying startups showing growth and continued eligibility.
What funding stages are eligible?
Startups at Series A funding stage or earlier are eligible, including pre-seed, seed, and early-stage companies with fewer than 100 employees.
What kind of support is included?
Pro Support tier with faster response times, dedicated Slack channel access, technical guidance for scaling, and access to Pinecone's partner ecosystem.
Can I use Pinecone on any cloud provider?
Yes, the program includes access to any cloud/region deployment across AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure with the same features and performance guarantees.
What happens after the 12-month program ends?
Startups can transition to paid plans with continued startup discounts, or apply for program extensions if they still meet the eligibility criteria.
How quickly can I get started after approval?
Account setup is immediate upon approval, with the technical support team contacting you within 48 hours for onboarding and setup assistance.
What are the usage limits during the program?
The program provides Standard Tier access with usage credits for vector operations and storage, with specific limits based on the tier's standard allocation and startup needs.