{"id":70451,"date":"2026-07-21T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/?p=70451"},"modified":"2026-07-09T09:36:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T09:36:19","slug":"hubspot-crm-for-startups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/","title":{"rendered":"HubSpot for Startups: The Real Calculation You Need to Make Before Signing Up"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You may have already come across the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hubspot.fr\/startups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HubSpot for Startups<\/a> offer, which promises up to a 90% discount in the first year. On paper, it&#8217;s one of the best deals in B2B SaaS.<\/p>\n<p>Except that people often forget to mention that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>That famous 90% isn&#8217;t guaranteed: depending on how you apply, you could end up with only 30% and leave several thousand euros on the table.<\/li>\n<li>The discount decreases year after year\u2014from 90% to 50% to 25%\u2014until it disappears, just when you&#8217;re most dependent on the tool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-70439\" src=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-scaled.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2048\" height=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-scaled.png 2048w, https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-300x123.png 300w, https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-1024x420.png 1024w, https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-768x315.png 768w, https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hubspot-for-startups-homepage-1536x630.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>So how do you get the best pricing tier\u2014and not just the first one you\u2019re offered? What will HubSpot really cost your startup over four years, once the discount wears off? And how can you take advantage of this window of opportunity without ending up tied down when it\u2019s time to renew? We\u2019ve done the full calculation. Here\u2019s our take on HubSpot for Startups.<\/p>\n<p>What you&#8217;ll find in this article:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The strategy for reaching the 90% milestone\u2014and the simple mistake that keeps you stuck at 30%.<\/li>\n<li>The actual cost of HubSpot over four years, with a detailed breakdown.<\/li>\n<li>Which HubSpot tier should you choose based on your startup&#8217;s stage, from pre-seed to Series A?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Sommaire<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#hubspot-for-startups-what-it-really-is-and-its-three-tiers\" >HubSpot for Startups What It Really Is (and Its Three Tiers)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#the-channel-trap-how-to-achieve-90-instead-of-30\" >The Channel Trap How to Achieve 90% Instead of 30%<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#hubspot-crm-for-startups-the-real-four-year-break-even-analysis\" >HubSpot CRM for Startups The Real Four-Year Break-Even Analysis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#which-hubspot-crm-plan-should-you-choose-based-on-your-startups-stage\" >Which HubSpot CRM plan should you choose based on your startup&#8217;s stage?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#pre-seed-free-crm%e2%80%94and-nothing-else\" >Pre-Seed Free CRM\u2014and nothing else<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#seed-the-program-on-sales-hub-pro\" >Seed The Program, on Sales Hub Pro<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#series-a-scale-and-monitor-costs\" >Series A Scale and Monitor Costs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#is-hubspot-worth-it-for-a-b2b-startup\" >Is HubSpot worth it for a B2B startup?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#our-review-of-hubspot-for-startups\" >Our Review of HubSpot for Startups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#faq-hubspot-for-startups\" >FAQ HubSpot for Startups<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#who-is-eligible-for-the-hubspot-for-startups-program\" >Who is eligible for the HubSpot for Startups program?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#how-do-i-get-the-90-discount-instead-of-30\" >How do I get the 90% discount (instead of 30%)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#what-happens-after-the-first-year\" >What happens after the first year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-crm-for-startups\/#is-hubspot-for-startups-worth-it\" >Is HubSpot for Startups worth it?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"hubspot-for-startups-what-it-really-is-and-its-three-tiers\"><\/span>HubSpot for Startups: What It Really Is (and Its Three Tiers)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let&#8217;s start with the basics. <strong>HubSpot for Startups is a discount on HubSpot&#8217;s paid subscriptions, available exclusively to eligible startups, that can be as high as 90% in the first year.<\/strong> This program applies to new Pro or Enterprise subscriptions; it does not apply to the free CRM version or to any existing subscriptions.<\/p>\n<p>But saying &#8220;90%&#8221; without specifying the rest is misleading. The rate depends on your profile, and there are three tiers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-scroll w-full\">\n<table class=\"table-auto w-full\">\n<thead class=\"bg-gold-500\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm\">\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Your Profile<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">1st year<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Subsequent years<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"bg-white\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Less than $2 million raised, backed by a venture capital firm, incubator, or partner accelerator<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">90%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">50% in the second year, 25% in the third<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Over $2 million raised in seed or venture capital funding<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">50%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">25% in the second year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Member of an accredited support organization<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">30%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">15% in the second year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Two things to keep in mind before moving on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>This program is for new customers only<\/strong>: if you already have a HubSpot account\u2014even a free one\u2014you may not be eligible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>You must be backed by an<\/strong> <strong>approved<\/strong><strong>partner<\/strong> <strong>or provide proof of verifiable funding<\/strong>. In France, most major accelerators and funds are included: Station F, BPI France, French Tech, and Village by CA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-channel-trap-how-to-achieve-90-instead-of-30\"><\/span>The Channel Trap: How to Achieve 90% Instead of 30%<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>One important thing to know is that the floor you end up on depends on which door you enter through.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are 3 channels:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"icon-check\">\n<li><strong>The &#8220;Startup Perks&#8221; portal of your VC or accelerator<\/strong>, if it&#8217;s a partner. That&#8217;s the surefire way to reach 90%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A HubSpot Solutions Partner<\/strong> that sponsors your application. This is helpful if your fund isn&#8217;t on the list or if you&#8217;re bootstrapped but otherwise eligible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The HubSpot public page<\/strong>, by applying directly. This is the fastest way, but it often caps your score at 30%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applying on your own when a partner could have sponsored you means giving up thousands of euros without even realizing it.<\/strong> With a Pro subscription, the difference between 30% and 90% in the first year amounts to thousands of euros. A simple conversation with the right person before signing the contract can completely change the total cost.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blocTips danger-light\"><i class=\"fa fa-exclamation-triangle\"><\/i><span class=\"title is-5\">The mistake that will disqualify you<\/span><br \/>\nDo not create a free HubSpot account \u201cjust to test it out\u201d if you plan to apply for the program. The program is reserved for new subscriptions, and even a single free account already set up under your domain name may be enough to make you ineligible. Check your eligibility first, then open the account.<\/div>\n<p>One final practical point: Regardless of the channel, billing is done annually, in a single payment, at the discounted rate. Plan your cash flow accordingly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"hubspot-crm-for-startups-the-real-four-year-break-even-analysis\"><\/span>HubSpot CRM for Startups: The Real Four-Year Break-Even Analysis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>90% of the first year is a gradual climb.<\/strong> As mentioned above, the discount decreases each year and then stops altogether. Let\u2019s look at a specific example to see how this actually works: a three-person sales team using Sales Hub Pro, which costs \u20ac3,600 per year at the full rate (annual commitment).<\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-scroll w-full\">\n<table class=\"table-auto w-full\">\n<thead class=\"bg-gold-500\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm\">\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Year<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Discount<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Annual Cost<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Monthly cost<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"bg-white\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Year 1<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">90%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">360 \u20ac<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">30 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Year 2<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">50%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">1,800 \u20ac<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">\u20ac150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Year 3<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">25%<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">2,700 \u20ac<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">\u20ac225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Year 4<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Full price<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">\u20ac3,600<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">\u20ac300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Look at the right-hand column. <strong>Your monthly bill increases tenfold between the first and fourth years<\/strong>, even though your usage hasn&#8217;t changed. The most painful jump isn\u2019t even the last one\u2014it\u2019s the transition from the first to the second year, when \u201calmost free\u201d becomes \u20ac150 a month.<\/p>\n<p>Does this mean the program is a trap? No, and it&#8217;s important to point that out. <strong>Over four years, you&#8217;ll pay about 8,500 \u20ac instead of 14,400 \u20ac, which is a savings of nearly 6,000 \u20ac.<\/strong> It&#8217;s a real bargain. The problem isn&#8217;t the amount; it&#8217;s the surprise. Too many founders budget for the first year&#8217;s costs and get caught off guard in the second.<\/p>\n<p>And switching isn&#8217;t that simple. When the full price starts to weigh on you, switching to a different CRM means migrating your data, workflows, and integrations\u2014a project that costs between 2,000 and 15,000 \u20ac, depending on its complexity. <strong>In other words, the discount gets you in, and the exit cost keeps you there.<\/strong> It&#8217;s a highly effective acquisition model, and you need to approach it with your eyes wide open.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blocTips primary-light\"><i class=\"fa fa-lightbulb-o\"><\/i><span class=\"title is-5\">Salesdorado&#8217;s tip<\/span><br \/>\n: Budget for Year 3 as soon as you sign the contract\u2014not Year 1\u2014and approach your renewal as a negotiation: a multi-year commitment, working through a partner, or a review of your actual seat usage can help keep costs down. The full listed price is almost never the final price once you negotiate it. We break down the entire pricing structure in our article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/hubspot-pricing\/\">cost of HubSpot<\/a>.<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"which-hubspot-crm-plan-should-you-choose-based-on-your-startups-stage\"><\/span>Which HubSpot CRM plan should you choose based on your startup&#8217;s stage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The right HubSpot plan isn&#8217;t necessarily the most comprehensive one\u2014it&#8217;s the one that fits your stage.<\/strong> Stacking up hubs &#8220;just in case&#8221; is the surest way to drive up costs without improving efficiency.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"pre-seed-free-crm%e2%80%94and-nothing-else\"><\/span>Pre-Seed: Free CRM\u2014and nothing else<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Before your first funding round, you don&#8217;t need to pay HubSpot<\/strong>. The free CRM manages your contacts, your sales pipeline, your emails, and a lead capture form\u2014which is more than enough to organize your initial sales efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Be careful, however (and this may seem counterintuitive): if you plan to apply for the program right after your funding round, it\u2019s best not to open this free account right away, as it could jeopardize your eligibility. To help you decide between the two, our comparison <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/crm-software\/free-crm-vs-paid-crm\/\">of free vs. paid CRM systems<\/a> outlines the key criteria.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"seed-the-program-on-sales-hub-pro\"><\/span>Seed: The Program, on Sales Hub Pro<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is when the program really comes into its own. After a seed funding round, you become eligible, and the 90% coverage makes the transition to Pro almost painless in the first year.<\/p>\n<p>This is also the stage where you really need the paid features: automated follow-ups, sequences, and\u2014most importantly\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/sales-qualification\/lead-scoring\/\">lead scoring<\/a> to prioritize your prospects as the volume increases. This is where you <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/crm-software\/sales-pipeline-hubspot-crm\/\">build a real sales pipeline<\/a> instead of just winging it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"series-a-scale-and-monitor-costs\"><\/span>Series A: Scale and Monitor Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At this point, the discount has already started to shrink, and your team is growing.<\/p>\n<p>There are two key steps to follow:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pay only for the seats you actually use, reserving paid licenses for salespeople who truly take advantage of the advanced features.<\/li>\n<li>Evaluate each additional hub before adding it to the bundle. This is when budget discipline makes all the difference between a profitable tool and a burdensome fixed cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"blocTips info-light\"><i class=\"fa fa-gift\"><\/i><span class=\"title is-5\">Test HubSpot before applying<\/span><br \/>\nWant to see the interface before applying to the program? The best option is a demo or an exchange with a partner, which preserves your eligibility, rather than opening a free account on your own.\n<div class=\"buttons\"><a class=\"button is-normal is-info\" title=\"HubSpot CRM\" href=\"\/go\/hubspot-crm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\">Discover HubSpot<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-hubspot-worth-it-for-a-b2b-startup\"><\/span>Is HubSpot worth it for a B2B startup?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s ask the real question: When it comes to HubSpot, what&#8217;s the alternative for a B2B startup?<\/strong> It&#8217;s almost never Salesforce\u2014it&#8217;s too cumbersome and too expensive at this stage. The real competitor is somewhere else.<\/p>\n<p>In reality, a young startup is torn between two options: a lightweight, modern CRM like <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/crm-software\/pipedrive-review\/\">Pipedrive<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/crm-software\/folk-review\/\">Folk<\/a>, or a DIY solution built around Notion, a spreadsheet, and a separate email marketing tool. Each has its merits\u2014and its limitations.<\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-x-scroll w-full\">\n<table class=\"table-auto w-full\">\n<thead class=\"bg-gold-500\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm\">\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Criterion<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">HubSpot (via the program)<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Lightweight CRM (Pipedrive, Folk)<\/th>\n<th class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Homemade stack (Notion + spreadsheet)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"bg-white\">\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Starting Price<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Almost zero in the first year, then rising<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Low and stable<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Virtually zero<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Functional Coverage<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Very broad (CRM, marketing, customer service)<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Mainly CRM and sales<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Depends on how you set it up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Automation and Scoring<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Advanced features starting with the Pro plan<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Basic to Good<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Build it yourself<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Ability to grow with you<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Excellent<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">You often end up migrating<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Crashes once it reaches a certain size<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"text-sm font-light\">\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Risk of addiction<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Real, high exit costs<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">Low<\/td>\n<td class=\"p-2 border border-slate-600\">None, but chaos is guaranteed as the problem grows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>A lightweight CRM is less expensive and less restrictive, but you&#8217;ll likely switch to something else as soon as you scale up. DIY solutions cost nothing but will slow you down as soon as you grow. <\/strong> HubSpot ends up costing more in the long run, but it&#8217;s the only one of the three designed to support you from your first sale to your 100th hire.<\/p>\n<p>This is precisely where the program makes a difference: <strong>it allows you to adopt the tool early on\u2014one you would have migrated to only later\u2014by spreading the cost over your first few years.<\/strong> The key is to avoid the opposite pitfall: piling up unnecessary hubs. On this point, our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/building-sales-team\/reducing-stack-saas\/\">streamlining your SaaS stack<\/a> and our overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/b2b-marketing\/alternatives-hubspot\/\">alternatives to HubSpot<\/a> are worth checking out before you sign up.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"our-review-of-hubspot-for-startups\"><\/span>Our Review of HubSpot for Startups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>HubSpot for Startups is a real bargain.<\/strong> The discount is real, the savings over four years amount to thousands of euros, and you\u2019ll be adopting a CRM system tailored for growth early on. It\u2019s not a trap. It\u2019s an excellent deal\u2014 <em>as long as you don\u2019t sign on without doing your homework<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"columns\">\n<div class=\"column is-one-half\">\n<ul class=\"points-forts\">\n<li>A discount of up to 90% in the first year\u2014a real and significant savings.<\/li>\n<li>The best CRM for growth\u2014adopted even before we could afford the full price.<\/li>\n<li>A comprehensive ecosystem that eliminates the need to use multiple tools.<\/li>\n<li>Numerous French partners to help you reach your full potential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column is-one-half\">\n<ul class=\"points-faibles\">\n<li>A sliding-scale discount that increases the bill tenfold over four years.<\/li>\n<li>A 90% threshold that\u2019s easy to miss if you apply through the wrong channel.<\/li>\n<li>Opening a free account too early can result in disqualification.<\/li>\n<li>High exit costs once your data and workflows are in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Our recommendation: If you&#8217;ve just raised funds and are eligible, go for it\u2014but make sure to use the right channel and budget for the ramp-up.<\/strong> The program remains one of the best ways to equip a B2B startup with a robust CRM without draining your initial cash flow. For a comprehensive review of the platform beyond the program, see <a href=\"https:\/\/salesdorado.com\/en\/crm\/crm-software\/hubspot-crm-review\/\">our detailed review of HubSpot<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blocTips primary-light\"><i class=\"fa fa-lightbulb-o\"><\/i><span class=\"title is-5\">Salesdorado&#8217;s tip<\/span><br \/>\nBefore applying, take five minutes to check just one thing: Is your fund, accelerator, or incubator listed among HubSpot for Startups\u2019 partners? If so, apply through their portal. This check could potentially save you several thousand euros. It\u2019s hard to find a better return on five minutes of your time.<\/div>\n<div class=\"blocTips info-light\"><i class=\"fa fa-gift\"><\/i><span class=\"title is-5\">Take advantage of the HubSpot for Startups program<\/span><br \/>\nIf you&#8217;re eligible, the program gives you access to HubSpot&#8217;s Pro and Enterprise tools at a fraction of the price for the first year. Check your eligibility and the tier you qualify for before signing anything.\n<div class=\"buttons\"><a class=\"button is-normal is-info\" title=\"HubSpot for Startups\" href=\"\/go\/hubspot-crm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\">Discover HubSpot<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faq-hubspot-for-startups\"><\/span>FAQ: HubSpot for Startups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who-is-eligible-for-the-hubspot-for-startups-program\"><\/span>Who is eligible for the HubSpot for Startups program?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The program is open to seed-stage or Series A startups backed by a HubSpot partner VC, incubator, or accelerator, or those that can demonstrate verifiable funding. Applicants must also be new HubSpot customers with a Pro or Enterprise subscription. Companies that have moved beyond Series B are no longer eligible for the highest tier.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-do-i-get-the-90-discount-instead-of-30\"><\/span>How do I get the 90% discount (instead of 30%)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To qualify for the 90% tier, apply through your VC\u2019s or partner accelerator\u2019s startup portal, or get sponsored by a HubSpot Solutions partner. Applying directly on the public page often limits you to the 30% tier. The channel determines the rate, so choose it before submitting your application.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-happens-after-the-first-year\"><\/span>What happens after the first year?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The discount decreases gradually. Depending on your starting tier, it drops from 90% to 50% in the second year, then to 25% in the third, before reaching the full rate. For a Pro subscription with three seats, the monthly bill rises from about \u20ac30 to \u20ac300 over four years. Be prepared for this increase as soon as you sign up.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-hubspot-for-startups-worth-it\"><\/span>Is HubSpot for Startups worth it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, if you&#8217;re eligible and you use it effectively. Over four years, the savings often exceed \u20ac5,000 on a Pro subscription, and you&#8217;ll be adopting a CRM designed for growth early on. The real risk isn&#8217;t the price\u2014it&#8217;s the surprise in the second year and the cost of switching.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"\n    class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-valign-bottom kksr-align-center \"\n    data-id=\"70451\"\n    data-slug=\"\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 0px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-legend\">\n            <span class=\"kksr-muted\">Qu'avez-vous pens\u00e9 de cet article?<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may have already come across the HubSpot for Startups offer, which promises up to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2810,"featured_media":70427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-70451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crm","category-crm-software"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>HubSpot for Startups: Is the 90% discount worth it? | Salesdorado<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The HubSpot for Startups Program Guide: Discount tiers, strategies for securing 90%, a 4-year projection, and a stage-by-stage roadmap. 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