StartupAPI Docs

Quickstart

Start with StartupAPI

Understand the service and request lifecycle at a glance.

Reading time: 2 minutesProduct overview only.Last updated: August 21, 2026

What StartupAPI does

StartupAPI gives customers one place to fund, authorize, and review Claude API usage. Requests use a StartupAPI key and draw from a prepaid credit balance.

How a request works

  1. AuthorizeYour API key identifies the customer account and its permissions.
  2. ReserveStartupAPI places a temporary hold sized for the request so usage cannot exceed the available balance.
  3. RouteThe request is sent only to the Claude model selected by the customer. StartupAPI does not cross providers as a fallback.
  4. SettleActual delivered usage is charged and the unused part of the hold is released.

Upstream Routing

Lower-cost path

Claude Standard

StartupAPI Standard traffic is routed through Kiro via PayGo.

This is our lower-cost routing path for supported Claude models.

Fable route

Claude Max

StartupAPI Max traffic uses our dedicated Max routing infrastructure.

The underlying upstream provider and routing implementation are not publicly disclosed.

Max is the dedicated routing path for its exclusive model.

Claude Standard and Claude Max use separate routing paths.

Ready to build?

Set up Claude Code on your machine, then send your first request.

Set up Claude CodeUse the API directly