Confluent Cloud is a fully managed data streaming platform that enables startups to build quick, easy, and cost-effective real-time data infrastructure, without the need for extensive expertise or infrastructure capacity. By leveraging Confluent's open-source and agnostic platform, startups can choose from various tools and experiment with different use cases, while maintaining flexibility in their data infrastructure. The new Confluent for Startups Program provides a streamlined experience, including access to Confluent's deep bench of Kafka and data streaming expertise, as well as advice on tackling any challenge or architectural decision. This program aims to help startups overcome the tradeoffs between building a DIY data streaming platform or managing a batch solution, allowing them to focus on their business logic and deliver product value more efficiently.