Flexible, affordable, and powerful. Cloud computing is one of the best ways startups have to build up their infrastructure, and there’s no cloud computing service quite as powerful as AWS. To help startups take advantage of the best tool on the market, AWS offers free AWS credits, that act as a coupon that you can use to cover your AWS bills. This is your guide to obtaining up to $100,000 in AWS credits.
What is AWS Activate?
AWS Activate was founded in 2013 in order to give eligible startups and early-stage companies tools, resources, and discounts to support a startup at every stage of its lifecycle. As part of AWS Activate, every startup will be able to access the following benefits:
- Access to the AWS Activate Console
- Curated expert tips on business and technical matters
- Training and support materials for startups via Learn on AWS
- Over 40 pre-built infrastructure templates
- Exclusive discount codes and free trials
- Access to the AWS Activate Recommendations feed, with personalized tools and content
- The ability to apply for up to $100,000 in AWS credits over a startup’s lifetime, which can be used to pay for AWS services
How Can I Apply for AWS Activate Credits?
AWS Activate offers a vast array of benefits, but many startups will be most interested in AWS Activate credits. These credits can be used to offset many different types of costs associated with AWS and even exchanged for services from AWS partners like Cloudvisor.
Now, you can’t just apply for all credits at once, and there are a few steps you need to take in order to unlock the full potential of $100,000 in AWS credits.
Step 1 – Unlock Founders Credits (optional, if you want to work with an expert from day one, skip to Step 2)
Founders credits are the easiest form of credit to unlock. Companies that meet the following criteria are eligible for up to $1,000 in AWS credits:
- New to AWS Activate credits and not associated with an AWS Provider
- Self-funded or funded pre-series B
- Have a fully functioning company website
- Founded in the past 10 years
Pro Tip – If you work with an Activate Provider (like Cloudvisor) you can skip this step, and immediately unlock up to $10,000 in AWS credits. Learn how.
To unlock Founders credits, you need to take the following steps:
- To complete your registration on the Activate Console, you’ll need to enter the following information: name, your role, AWS experience, information about your company, your app, and your customers.
- Select the Founders’ Tier.
- Verify the options, and the AWS Account ID that the credits will be applied to.
- Provide some additional information on your application, including launch date, website, funding state, valuation, and expected AWS spend.
- Submit your application and wait a few days for it to be approved.
Once this process is complete you’ll be eligible for $1,000 in AWS credits to get you started, all other AWS Activate features, and the opportunity to unlock even more credits in the future.
If you are already in a place where you need more credits, then you can skip the Founders credits step, and go straight to finding an AWS Activate Provider.
Note: Companies may not be eligible for AWS credits if they have previously received a similar or greater amount of credits from the AWS Activate program. Qualifying companies may be eligible to be topped up to a higher credit amount if they previously received a lower credit amount, there is more information available in the AWS Activate Terms, and FAQ.
To determine your credit balance, please go to your Billing and Cost Management Console > Credits.
Step 2 – Find an AWS Activate Provider
If startup founders want to unlock the full potential of AWS Activate, they will need to search for an AWS Activate Provider. Cloudvisor is part of this ecosystem and is able to help startups move to the next step and acquire more AWS Activate credits. Through our partner organization, we are able to offer you the first batch of free AWS credits, and the process couldn’t be simpler.
Our team has the knowledge, certifications, and expertise to make your startup thrive, getting more from AWS for less money spent. Join our AWS Resell program – it’s free and doesn’t require any long-term commitments.
Once you join, we will guide you through the process of receiving free AWS credits. You will be able to receive your first batch within the first week!
In addition to free AWS credits, you will also receive monthly discounts on AWS, free consulting, and yearly AWS Cost Optimization Reviews. All at no additional cost to you. Get started today!
Step 3 – Obtain The Final $100,000 in Credits
Once you’ve signed up with an AWS Activate Provider, the next step is to find an accelerator-incubator who can support your growth, and help you obtain the remaining $95,000. This can be a challenging process, but the Cloudvisor team is able to help. We have built strong relationships with a number of incubators across the world and can help you build a pitch, connect with the right people, and ultimately unlock your AWS credits.
Let’s take a look at some of the incubators out there:
Superangel – USA
Superangel was founded in 2021 by Ben Zises – an angel investor, advisor, and fund manager. The fund focuses on Consumer (CPG, eComm SaaS), PropTech & Future of Work startups.
Change Ventures – Estonia
Change Ventures focuses on startups based in the Baltic region. Rather than focusing on specific sectors, the Change Ventures team wants to support startups with the right talent, and the goal to grow to become a global business.
Superhero Capital – Finland
Superhero Capital is a Finnish-based Venture Capital firm that focuses on supporting “Superhero” founders with software-driven startups, primarily those located in the Baltic region, with up to $1 million in initial capital.
EntrepreneurFirst PARENT – United Kingdom
EntrepeneurFirst is an organization that focuses on talent investing. That is investing in founders with incredible potential, who want support in making the leap to building a truly disruptive company. Founders across Europe, North America, and Asia can access in-person support and advice alongside financial support.
Want To Access More Incubators and Accelerators?
We’ve done the hard work for you. Simply fill out the form, and get a list of the top 100 accelerator-incubators to unlock $100,000 in AWS credits today.
Summary
Whether you’re looking to scale your infrastructure, experiment with new services, or simply reduce operational costs, AWS credits can be a game-changer for your startup.
As an official scout for the AWS Activate program, we’re here to help you secure free AWS credits for your startup. By working with us, you can ensure that you’re getting the credits you need, and not accidentally wasting credits due to expiry or through accidental spend.
We’ve already helped 500+ startups obtain over $7 million in AWS credits for startups, and we’re here to help you!
