This article refers to our new pricing plans. If you joined Intercom before February 1, 2024 this information may not apply to you. For information about one of our legacy plans, please log in to view these articles instead, or contact us through the Messenger.
What is Intercom's Early Stage program?
Intercom's Early Stage program is aimed at helping eligible startups gain access to Intercom at a discounted rate. Launched in 2016, the program has over 10,000 startup customers as alumni. Our goal is to help startups grow with us by offering incremental pricing discounts. This allows startups the time they need to scale up while enjoying the full range of Intercom features.
What features are included in Early Stage?
You will be on the Advanced plan. Here’s a quick breakdown of what's included in your monthly plan:
20 lite seats
10 Fin AI Agent resolutions per month
Early Stage pricing
In the first year, you'll be getting this plan for just $65 per month, instead of the original list price of $903.
Some usage-based charges still apply for Fin, SMS, WhatsApp, and Phone which are charged at list price. See details below.
Breakdown of monthly pricing for your plan
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
Full seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Price per seat | $99 | $99 | $99 |
Fin AI Copilot per Seat | $35 | $35 | $35 |
Proactive Support Plus | $99 | $99 | $99 |
Total monthly list price | $903 | $903 | $903 |
Discount | 90% | 50% | 25% |
Total monthly price after discount | $65 | $451.50 | $677.25 |
You may add more seats to your plan if you wish. Additional seats will be discounted at the same rate as the overall discount in that year (90% year one, 50% year two, 25% year three).
Breakdown of pricing for usage-based channels
The Early Stage discount also applies to usage-based channels with the exception of Fin AI Agent resolutions, SMS, WhatsApp, and Phone which are charged at list price.
Usage-based channel | Discount applied |
All Bulk Email Sent prices will be discounted at the same rate as the overall discount in that year (90% year one, 50% year two, 25% year three). | |
Messages Sent | All Messages Sent prices will be discounted at the same rate as the overall discount in that year (90% year one, 50% year two, 25% year three). |
Fin AI Agent | 10 Fin AI Agent resolutions per month are included. Additional resolutions will be charged at list price ($0.99 per resolution). |
SMS | SMS Segments can be used but no discount will be applied, they will be charged at list price. |
Bulk WhatsApp Sent and Inbound WhatsApp Conversations are available but no discount will be applied, they will be charged at list price. | |
Phone | Phone is available but no discount will be applied, calls will be charged at list price. |
What features are not included?
Any features from our Expert plan and Regional Hosting are not available for the Early Stage program.
If you find the costs are too high in year two and beyond, you can always move to our Essential plan starting at $39/month for 1 seat or $29/month if you choose the annual option.
Application process
Eligibility criteria
Early stage: The startup should have raised up to $1 million in funding and be less than 2 years old
Small company: The startup should have fewer than 5 employees
New customer: The startup must currently not be an Intercom customer
To grow your startup with Intercom’s Early Stage program, apply here.
Some applications can be automatically approved and others go to review, the approval process typically takes 1 to 2 business days. If you're approved, you'll be notified via email. It's important to provide accurate information for our team to approve your application.
Additional benefits
Early Stage Academy
Here you'll find practical tips and best practice advice on topics like:
Setting up Intercom.
Automating customer queries using Fin, an AI agent.
Tips for running an effective support program, whether you're an experienced hand or brand new.
Access to Early Stage Academy is included in your plan to enable you and your team to get the most from Intercom.
Intercom’s Startups Dealbook
The Dealbook is a collection of over $100k worth of deals & discounts from our favorite startup solutions to help our customers grow even faster. We’ve collated exclusive deals from Notion, Stripe, Mercury, Segment, Brex & more.
FAQs
What happens if I'm not accepted to the program?
What happens if I'm not accepted to the program?
If you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the Early Stage program, we have plans available here for all businesses, or you can chat to our Sales team.
What happens in year two?
What happens in year two?
You can move to the second year of the Early Stage program with the 50% year two discount applied, or downgrade to an Essential plan at list price, or chat to our Sales team about the Expert plan.
What happens in year three?
What happens in year three?
You can move to the third year of the Early Stage program with the 25% year three discount applied, or downgrade to an Essential plan at list price, or chat to our Sales team about the Expert plan.
What happens at the end of the program?
What happens at the end of the program?
At the end of year three you'll graduate from the Early Stage program onto one of our plans at list price. 30 days out from your graduation date we will share options. You can choose a different plan if that suits your needs better.
How do I restart my trial?
How do I restart my trial?
If you need to restart your trial or request a refund, please contact Customer Support via the Messenger for assistance.
I’ve started a trial with Intercom, can I still join the program?
I’ve started a trial with Intercom, can I still join the program?
Yes, if you've already started an Intercom trial and you meet the Early Stage program eligibility criteria you can still apply here.
Can a company have more than one workspace on the program?
Can a company have more than one workspace on the program?
No, the program is only for new customers, a company can only have one workspace with an Early Stage subscription.
Can I join the program a second time?
Can I join the program a second time?
The Early Stage program is a one-time opportunity for each startup.
Is this a monthly subscription or annual contract?
Is this a monthly subscription or annual contract?
This is a monthly subscription, you can cancel at any time from your workspace Billing. If you would prefer to explore annual contracts, please reach out to our Sales team in the Messenger.
Can we change this subscription at any time?
Can we change this subscription at any time?
Yes, this is a monthly subscription, you can cancel or upgrade at any time from your workspace Billing. If you would prefer to explore annual contracts, please reach out to our Sales team in the Messenger.
What happens to my data if I cancel my subscription?
What happens to my data if I cancel my subscription?
See how to delete your workspace data.
To grow your startup with Intercom’s Early Stage program, apply here.
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