Stealth-mode startup stuck at automated website verification — how to get a manual review?

Hi everyone,

I’m a founder at a stealth-mode startup applying to the Google for Startups Cloud Program, and our application is stuck at the automated website verification step. I’ve seen several others here hit the same wall, so I’m hoping for some guidance.

We received the “could not verify the company website / startup is in stealth mode” message. Because we’re in stealth, our site doesn’t yet expose standard public company information. On May 14 I replied to the verification request with supporting materials and received the automated “5 business days” acknowledgement, but it’s now been 14 days with no human response.

A few questions for anyone who’s been through this:

  • For stealth-mode startups specifically, what’s the recommended way to pass verification? Would incorporation documents or domain ownership proof be accepted in place of a public site?

  • Once additional materials are provided, roughly how long does the manual review take?

  • Is there a recommended escalation path when the standard support email goes unanswered for two weeks?

Happy to share my case number and verification documents privately if anyone from the team can take a look. Thank you all!

Hi @GmanneR I do apologize for the delays you are facing, unfortunately we do not handle inquiries of this nature and unfortunately cannot provide any updates or support. Please refer to the Google Cloud Startups FAQ for more information on the most commonly asked Startups questions.