AWS Startup Credits: AWS Activate Tiers Explained
Up to $200,000 in AWS credits through AWS Activate. Self-funded startups can get up to $5,000; startups backed by an Activate Provider can get up to $200,000. Credits also cover third-party models on Amazon Bedrock.
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Quick answer
AWS offers eligible startups up to $200,000 in credits and resources, with no equity required. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre–series b).
Available programs
$200,000
AWS Activate Portfolio
For pre-Series B startups backed by an Activate Provider (accelerator, angel investor, or VC firm). You need an Organization ID (Org ID) from your provider to apply.
- Up to $200,000 in AWS Activate credits
- Requires an Org ID from your Activate Provider
- Pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years
- Credits can be used on third-party models in Amazon Bedrock (Anthropic, Meta, Mistral AI, Cohere and others)
Up to $5,000
AWS Activate Founders
For bootstrapped or self-funded startups. You start with $1,000 in credits; select participants can qualify for more, up to $5,000.
- Starts with $1,000 in AWS Activate credits
- Select participants can qualify for up to $5,000
- No investor or Org ID needed
- Apply directly
$200,000+
AWS Credits for AI Startups
Invite-only credits for startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio.
- $200,000+ in AWS credits
- Invite only, for startups past Activate Portfolio
Recommended AWS partner
Claim & optimize your AWS credits with Cloudvisor
An AWS Advanced Tier Partner that helps startups get AWS credits and cut cloud costs — no added service fee, full ownership of your account, and a dedicated AWS-certified Solutions Architect.
- Up to $10k
- in AWS Activate credits, plus help applying for larger batches
- 3% off
- your overall AWS spend when not using credits
- 50–90% off
- Amazon CloudFront delivery costs
- 10–40%
- typical savings from a cost-optimization review
No equity, no root access required · Cloudvisor is compensated by AWS.
Best for
Do you qualify for AWS?
You likely qualify if
- Founded within the last 10 years
- Pre–Series B funding stage
- AWS account on the Paid plan (not the Free plan)
- Applying with a professional domain email (not Gmail/Outlook)
You won't qualify if
- You are Series B or later
- Your company is older than 10 years
- You have already received equal or greater Activate credits
- Your AWS account is still on the Free plan
- You are a consultancy, dev shop, or agency
- You run crypto-mining / bitcoin operations
Common rejection reasons
- Applied with a personal Gmail/Outlook address instead of a domain email
- Missing or invalid Activate Provider org ID on the Portfolio tier
- Credit cap already hit via a Mercury or Brex partner bundle
How to apply for AWS
-
1
Check eligibility
Be pre–Series B, founded in the last 10 years, and either new to Activate credits or asking for more than you got before.
-
2
Upgrade to the Paid plan
Your AWS account must be on the Paid plan. Accounts on the 6-month Free plan aren’t eligible for promotional credits like Activate.
-
3
Pick your tier
Founders (self-funded): up to $5,000, starting with $1,000. Portfolio: up to $200,000, pre–Series B, with an Org ID from your Activate Provider (accelerator, angel investor, or VC firm).
-
4
Apply via AWS Activate
Submit at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits. Credits can also be used on third-party models in Amazon Bedrock.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim AWS commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AWS give startups?
AWS provides eligible startups with up to $200,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does AWS take equity from startups?
No. AWS's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for AWS?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Pre-Series B and founded in the last 10 years; AWS account on the Paid plan. Accounts on the 6-month Free plan can't receive Activate credits, so upgrade first; New to Activate credits, or requesting more credits than you received before.
Is AWS free for startups?
Applying is free. AWS provides up to $200,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for AWS?
1) Check eligibility, 2) Upgrade to the Paid plan, 3) Pick your tier, 4) Apply via AWS Activate. Full steps are on this page.
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