AWS Activate gives early-stage startups AWS credits plus technical support, training, and go-to-market resources. The two routes are not interchangeable: the Founders tier is self-serve and needs no referral, starting at $1,000 and reaching $5,000 for selected participants, while the Portfolio tier requires an Organization ID from an approved accelerator, incubator or VC and is the only route to the larger packages, up to $200,000. Availability is subject to AWS eligibility, account and regional policies.
- Potential value:
- $200k in credits
- Provider:
- Amazon Web Services
- Referral needed:
- No
Why this could be a strong fit
The most widely accepted cloud-credit program with the broadest service coverage, ideal for any founder building on AWS, with a no-referral entry path.
What you need to qualify
- Company founded within the last 10 years and pre-Series B
- An active AWS account on a paid (not free) plan
- A company website or public company profile
- New to AWS Activate credits, or requesting more than you have previously received
- Founders tier: self-funded with no provider affiliation. $1,000 to start, and up to $5,000 for selected participants
- Portfolio tier: an Organization ID from an AWS Activate provider (VC/accelerator). This tier is where the larger amounts, up to $200,000, are available
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
- Max company age
- 120 months
How to apply
- 1
Create an AWS account
Set up a paid-tier AWS account to receive credits.
- 2
Choose your tier
Founders (self-funded) or Portfolio (provider-affiliated, larger amounts).
- 3
Gather details
Have your website, company info, and (for Portfolio) provider Org ID ready.
- 4
Submit via the Activate portal
Complete the online application on the AWS Activate site.
- 5
Await approval
Founders typically clears in a few business days; Portfolio in 5–10.