AWS Activate gives startups up to $200,000 in credits and support

What AWS Activate gives startups

AWS Activate provides promotional credits called Activate Credits. These credits can be used to offset fees for over 200 eligible AWS services, including compute, storage, databases, networking, and AI/ML tools. Credits also cover third-party foundation models on Amazon Bedrock, such as those from Anthropic, Mistral AI, Meta, and OpenAI.

Activate Credits can be applied to AWS Business Support if configured for that purpose. If approved for Activate Business Support Credits, startups are auto-enrolled in AWS Business Support and credits apply automatically to the bill.

The program also offers access to third-party offers, such as software discounts, though AWS does not guarantee or control these offers.

Who qualifies for AWS Activate

To qualify, a startup must be founded in the last 10 years, have an AWS account on a paid tier plan, and be either new to Activate Credits or requesting more credits than previously received. Government entities are not eligible.

For the Activate Founders tier, startups must be self-funded, have a functioning company website, and be new to Activate Credits. For the Activate Portfolio tier, startups must be associated with an Activate Provider (e.g., accelerators, VCs) and have their Organization ID. Most recent funding must be within the last 12 months if applicable, and the startup must not have received equal or greater credits before.

Difference between Activate Founders and Activate Portfolio tiers

Activate Founders is for self-funded startups. Activate Portfolio is for startups backed by an Activate Provider and offers up to $200,000 in credits. The amount depends on the startup’s stage, funding timeframe, and provider affiliation.

AI startups ready to scale beyond the Portfolio tier may qualify for additional credits above $200,000.

How Activate Credits work

Activate Credits are subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions. They apply automatically to eligible AWS services and Bedrock third-party model spend. Credits do not cover past bills or ineligible services like AWS Professional Services, AWS Managed Services, or Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Credits expire within 1-2 years depending on the package. They are applied monthly to new usage charges and cannot be prioritized for specific services. Startups can track their credit balance and expiration dates in the AWS Billing and Cost Management Console.

When to apply for Activate Credits

Apply when ready to ramp up AWS usage, such as launching resource-intensive features or expanding the user base. For Portfolio tier applicants, apply within 12 months of the most recent funding date to remain eligible.

Credits are processed in the order received, with approval or rejection notifications sent within 7-10 business days. Approved credits appear in the AWS Billing Console within 3-4 hours and apply immediately to new eligible charges.

Can startups apply for credits more than once

Startups can reapply for Activate Portfolio Credits if the new application requests a higher amount than previously approved credits and the lifetime credit cap has not been reached.

Some Activate Providers offer multiple credit tiers (e.g., $25K for pre-seed, $100K for seed). Eligibility depends on funding round and provider affiliation.

What’s not covered by Activate Credits

Credits do not cover AWS Professional Services, AWS Managed Services, AWS Training and Certification, or Amazon Mechanical Turk. For a full list of eligible and ineligible services, refer to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions and AWS Activate Terms & Conditions.