AWS Activate gives early-stage startups free AWS credits plus technical support, training, and go-to-market resources. Self-funded founders get a baseline grant with no strings attached, while startups affiliated with an AWS Activate provider unlock much larger packages that offset compute, storage, database, and AI/ML bills.
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
- Founders tier: self-funded with no provider affiliation
- Portfolio tier: an Organization ID from an AWS Activate provider (VC/accelerator)
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+
- Countries
- Global (no restriction)
- 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.