Amazon Web Services (AWS) for Startups
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's leading cloud platform, offering 200+ services spanning compute, storage, databases, networking, AI/ML, and security. Used by startups and enterprises alike, AWS lets teams build, deploy, and scale applications globally without managing physical infrastructure. Credits through the AWS Activate program give early-stage startups up to $100,000 to get off the ground fast.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Startup Program Benefits and Offers
Available offer
Free Cloud Credits with AWS Activate (Founders)
AWS Activate Founders gives any self-serve startup $1000 in AWS credits — no partner affiliation required. Apply directly at aws.amazon.com/activate.
Eligibility
- Direct application available
- $1K Founders tier, no partner needed
- self-serve instant approval
Questions about this offer
Who is eligible for the AWS Activate Founders tier?
The tracked Founders offer provides $1,000 in AWS credits and can be applied for directly through AWS Activate without a partner. The current PerkBook record describes it as a self-serve offer.
Available offer
Free Cloud Credits with AWS Activate (Portfolio)
AWS Activate Portfolio gives startups affiliated with an approved AWS partner accelerator or VC $5000 in AWS credits; plus AWS Support plan credits and architecture guidance.
Eligibility
- Must be affiliated with an approved AWS Activate partner organisation
- new AWS customers only
Questions about this offer
Who qualifies for the AWS Activate Portfolio tier?
The tracked Portfolio offer provides $5,000 in AWS credits. It is for new AWS customers affiliated with an approved AWS Activate partner organisation.
Available offer
AWS Credits for AI Startups: Invite-Only Post-Portfolio Credits
Additional AWS credits for eligible AI startups ready to scale
Eligibility
- Invite only. Startup must be ready to scale after AWS Activate Portfolio. Activate Portfolio requires affiliation with an approved AWS Activate Provider (such as a VC, accelerator, angel investor, or other approved startup-support organisation) and use of that provider's Org ID. Additional AI credits are subject to AWS qualification and account-team review.
Questions about this offer
Who qualifies for the AWS Activate AI/frontier tier?
The tracked AI/frontier offer provides up to $300,000 in AWS credits. It is listed for eligible pre-seed to pre-Series B frontier AI startups affiliated with an AWS Activate provider and building foundation models or advanced AI systems on AWS.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) FAQ
What is AWS Activate?
AWS Activate is the startup program tracked for Amazon Web Services. The available offers provide eligible startups with AWS cloud credits, with the value and requirements depending on the applicable tier.
How much are AWS startup credits worth?
The AWS offers currently tracked by PerkBook range from $1,000 in AWS credits through to offers worth up to $300,000. The amount available depends on the startup tier and its eligibility.
Can bootstrapped startups apply for AWS Activate?
The tracked Founders tier allows startups to apply directly and does not require an approved partner. Higher-value Portfolio, Portfolio+, and AI/frontier offers require affiliation with an eligible AWS Activate partner or provider.
Does every AWS Activate tier require a partner?
No. The tracked $1,000 Founders offer can be applied for directly. The Portfolio, Portfolio+, and AI/frontier offers require affiliation with an approved AWS Activate partner or provider.
