AWS Activate Founders: $1,000–$5,000 in credits, no investor needed
Self-funded startups apply directly for $1,000 in AWS credits (up to $5,000 for selected participants); VC-backed startups unlock up to $200,000 through their investor's Activate Org ID.
Step-by-step guide
How to do it
Create an AWS Builder ID
With your professional email at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits, and complete the profile.
Pick your credit tier
Self-funded founders should choose Activate Founders directly; VC/accelerator-backed companies find their provider's Org ID at aws.amazon.com/startups/providers and apply through Activate Portfolio.
Tell them about the startup
Describe the product, funding stage and company profile; AWS asks these to confirm eligibility.
Link your AWS account and submit
Credits land within 5–10 business days — most rejections come from a Free-tier account instead of a paid one.
Spend within 12 months
Promotional credits expire; plan your infrastructure burn so credits cover it.
Details & Context
AWS Activate issues promotional credits matched to your startup's funding stage and window. The self-serve Activate Founders tier requires no accelerator or VC: bootstrapped or self-funded founders start with $1,000 and select participants can climb to $5,000. Eligibility: pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, and an AWS account on the paid tier. Venture-backed startups apply through the Activate Portfolio tier with an Org ID from an Activate Provider — Y Combinator, Sequoia, a16z, Greylock, Brex and Carta are all in the network — for up to $200,000. Invite-only AI startups past that stage can get $200,000+ via their AWS account manager. Applications are decided within 5–10 business days.
Eligibility & Verification Requirements
Notes from people who claimed this perk
Real notes from people who actually tested this perk.