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Founders Hub Application Blocked - LinkedIn Linked to Previous Startup Account

Walid Mustapha 0 Reputation points
2025-04-21T18:19:04.0966667+00:00

Hi,

I'm hoping someone here might be able to offer some guidance or point me in the right direction regarding an issue I'm facing with a Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub application.

I recently applied for the Founders Hub program for my new startup using my LinkedIn profile as required. My application was rejected with the reason given: "your startup has already been accepted into Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub."

I believe this happened because my LinkedIn profile is still associated with a previous startup I founded and exited several years ago. That previous membership was tied to an old email address that I no longer have access to. It seems this persistent link between my LinkedIn profile and my old startup is preventing my application with my new startup from being processed based on its own merits.

I'm unable to submit a support request through the official Founders Hub channel as I'm consistently redirected to funding application page.

Does anyone in the community have experience with this specific type of identity conflict? Is there a particular team or escalation path within Microsoft for Startups that handles these kinds of legacy account association issues for the Founders Hub for challening cases like this?

Any advice or pointers on how best to get this resolved would be greatly appreciated, as I'm currently blocked from proceeding with the Founders Hub for my new venture.

Thank you for your time and help!

Azure Startups
Azure Startups
Azure: A cloud computing platform and infrastructure for building, deploying and managing applications and services through a worldwide network of Microsoft-managed datacenters.Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.
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  1. Rakesh Gurram 14,130 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-04-22T02:40:32.9966667+00:00

    Hi Walid Mustapha,

    To help resolve the issue with your Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub application, where your LinkedIn profile is still linked to a previous startup, we recommend first contacting LinkedIn Support. They can help you update or remove the old startup from your profile or clarify your current role with your new startup.

    If LinkedIn can’t fully resolve the issue, you can escalate the matter to Microsoft for further assistance. Once the old association is cleared, you may need to reapply to the Founders Hub program. Please note that you can reapply 14 days after your initial application was declined.

    When submitting your new application, make sure to include accurate information about your current startup and briefly explain the previous LinkedIn association. This will help the support team better understand your situation and process your application accordingly. These steps should help you move forward with your application successfully.

    Please go through the doc for reference, Application FAQ

    If the issue persists, we recommend reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance Submit Support Request.

    Please reach out to us if you have any other queries.

    If the information is helpful, please Accept Answer & Upvote so that it would be helpful to other community members.

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