AWS Activate
AWS Activate: Up to $200k in credits from Amazon Web Services. Who qualifies: Pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, on a paid AWS plan.
What you get
AWS Activate is tiered: the Founders tier gives self-funded startups $1,000 in credits, and the Portfolio tier goes up to $200,000 for startups affiliated with an Activate Provider (VC firm, accelerator, or incubator). Credits apply to nearly every AWS service — compute, storage, databases, and AI services like Bedrock.
Who qualifies
- Pre-Series B startups founded within the last 10 years, on a paid AWS support plan.
- Founders tier: just a company website and an AWS account — no funding required.
- Portfolio tier: your investor or accelerator must be an Activate Provider (get their organization ID).
How to claim
- Check whether your investor or accelerator is an Activate Provider and get their organization ID.
- Create an AWS account with your company email.
- Apply at aws.amazon.com/startups with your organization ID (Portfolio) or directly (Founders).
- Credits typically land within 7–10 business days.
Source: https://aws.amazon.com/startups/credits/ — verify current amounts and terms before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I get from AWS Activate?
Between $1,000 (Founders tier, for self-funded startups) and $200,000 (Portfolio tier, for startups affiliated with an Activate Provider such as a VC firm, accelerator, or incubator).
Can bootstrapped startups get AWS Activate credits?
Yes — the Founders tier requires only a company website and an AWS account, no funding. It grants $1,000 rather than the larger Portfolio amounts.
How long does AWS Activate approval take?
Credits typically land within 7–10 business days of applying.
What can AWS Activate credits be spent on?
Nearly every AWS service — compute, storage, databases, and AI services like Bedrock.