StartupAPI Docs

API keys

How API keys work

A StartupAPI API key authenticates StartupAPI API requests, including requests made by Claude Code.

Estimated time: under 2 minutesCreate, restrict, rotate, or revoke keys anytime.Last updated: August 21, 2026

Create a key

Open your dashboard and create one. Copy it immediately — it's shown only once.

Create a key
StartupAPI API Keys page
Create and copy your key from the dashboard.

Use it

For raw API calls, send Authorization: Bearer. For Claude Code, save it as ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN with the Connect guide.

Open the Connect guide

Replace a key

Lost or revoked a key? Create a new one, replace ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN in the managed configuration block, and open a new shell.

Common mistakes

  • Not copying the keyIt's shown once. If you miss it, create a new key.
  • Using ANTHROPIC_API_KEYThat variable sends X-Api-Key. StartupAPI requires Authorization: Bearer through ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN.