# GitLab for Startups: free Ultimate for 20 seats for one year

- Provider: GitLab (GitLab)
- Status: Active
- Benefit: 20 seats (Ultimate, year 1)
- Price: Free
- Included: 20 seats (Ultimate, year 1)
- Account required: Yes
- Checked by editor: Nov 9, 2026
- Link: direct to the provider; no affiliate or sponsored arrangement applies
- Page: https://strixed.com/offers/gitlab-for-startups

GitLab for Startups gives eligible pre-seed and seed companies a free Ultimate licence for up to 20 seats in year one, then a 50% discount in year two; later-stage startups receive a smaller discount.

Limitations: Year one for pre-seed/seed is a free Ultimate licence for up to 20 seats, with support not included; year two is 50% off. Series A/B companies receive 50% off year one and 25% off year two. Self-managed instances must enable usage and analytics features.

Questions:
- Q: Who is eligible?
  A: Pre-seed or seed startups with up to $5M in external funding, or Series A/B startups with up to $20M. Only new GitLab customers qualify. Self-funded companies are not currently eligible.
- Q: How does GitLab check my funding?
  A: GitLab validates funding through Crunchbase, PitchBook, a VC or an accelerator page.
- Q: Is support included?
  A: No. Support is not included in the free Ultimate licence in year one for pre-seed and seed companies.
- Q: What happens after the first year?
  A: Pre-seed and seed companies get 50% off in year two. Series A/B companies get 50% off in year one and 25% off in year two.
- Q: Are there requirements for self-managed instances?
  A: Yes. Self-managed instances must enable usage and analytics features.

Sources checked:
- https://about.gitlab.com/solutions/startups/ (other)