A Tokyo-based AI startup founder was charged approximately $1,600 after deploying Anthropic's Claude via Azure AI Foundry, believing Microsoft for Startups credits would cover the cost. A Microsoft forum moderator had incorrectly stated that startup credits apply to Claude usage, before the post was later corrected to say they don't. The Azure UI makes no distinction between credit-covered and marketplace-billed models, leaving users unaware. When seeking a refund, the founder was bounced between Microsoft and Anthropic with neither taking responsibility. Microsoft's official documentation does state that startup credits cannot be used for third-party marketplace products, but the conflicting forum guidance and opaque UI contributed to the confusion. Other startups have reportedly faced similar unexpected charges.
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