$1K in AWS credits: where Activate Founders starts.
$1,000 is the starting amount of AWS Activate Founders, the self-serve tier for self-funded startups. AWS says select startups can get up to $5,000. There is no separate "Builders" tier on AWS's credits page today. For startups without a VC, the larger route is funding a vetted AWS partner files for real work: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- Activate Founders starts at $1,000 and goes up to $5,000 for select startups. You apply yourself.
- AWS's current credits page lists three tiers: Founders, Portfolio and AWS Credits for AI Startups. It lists no separate "Builders" tier.
- When you need more, look at partner-filed MAP, POC or IW funding for real work: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
IWhat $1K in AWS credits is
It is the starting amount of Activate Founders: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000.
Founders is for startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. Apply yourself at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits. No investor, accelerator or partner needed.
Older pages describe a separate $1K "Builders" tier that did not need a company. AWS's current credits page lists no such tier. Its three tiers are Founders, Portfolio and AWS Credits for AI Startups.
Every Activate tier has rules: pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, with an AWS account on a paid plan. You must be new to Activate credits or ask for more than you got before.
IIWho files each kind of AWS funding
| Funding | Who files it | Amount | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. |
| Proof of concept (POC) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. |
| Incremental workload (IW) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. |
| AWS Activate Founders | Founder applies | $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 | Self-funded startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Founder applies | up to $200,000 | Startups backed by a VC firm, accelerator or angel investor that is an AWS Activate Provider. |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Invite only (AWS account manager) | $200,000 or more, by invitation | AI startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio, invited by AWS. |
IIIHow to apply for Activate Founders
- Go to the AWS credits page: Open aws.amazon.com/startups/credits and click Apply. Sign in with an AWS Builder ID.
- Fill in the Activate profile: Use a business email that matches your startup's domain. Describe your product, market and stage accurately.
- Link an AWS account: Link an AWS account on a paid plan. Free account plans are not eligible.
- Wait for the decision: AWS says Activate applicants hear back within 5 to 10 business days.
- Know the limits: AWS says Activate credits usually expire within 1 to 2 years, depending on the package. AWS promotional credits do not pay Savings Plans or Reserved Instance upfront fees.
IVWhen you need more than Founders
If a VC or accelerator that is an Activate Provider backs you, apply for Portfolio (up to $200,000). If not, partner-filed funding is the larger route: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- Migration Acceleration Program (MAP): You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. Your matched partner files it when the migration qualifies and AWS approves it.
- Proof of concept (POC) funding: You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. Your matched partner files it when the test qualifies and AWS approves it.
- Incremental workload (IW) funding: You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. Your matched partner files it when the new workload qualifies and AWS approves it.
How a match works (example)
- You tell us about the work
You fill in a short form: what you run today, what you want to move, test or build, your stage and your region.
- We pick one partner
We read your answers and pick one vetted AWS consulting partner that fits the work, the stack and the region. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.
- The partner checks which funding fits
Your matched partner scopes the work with you. Then it checks which partner-filed funding fits: MAP if you are moving to AWS, POC if you want to test something, or incremental workload (IW) funding if you are already on AWS and launching new work.
- The partner files, AWS decides
If the work qualifies, the partner files the funding request with AWS. AWS reviews it and decides. The amount depends on the workload.
- You pay nothing
CloudRoute is free for startups. Partners pay CloudRoute a monthly membership plus 10% of AWS-approved funding.
AWS Activate credits are separate, and you apply for them yourself. Use Activate Founders if no investor backs you. Use Activate Portfolio with the Org ID or invite from your VC, accelerator, incubator or angel group if it is an Activate Provider. A consulting partner cannot apply for Activate on your behalf.
Common questions
Is there still a $1K Builders tier?
Do I need a company to apply for Activate Founders?
Can I get more than $1,000 from Founders?
What is the larger route without a VC?
What does CloudRoute cost?
Start with Founders. Ask a partner about the rest.
A vetted AWS partner checks whether your work qualifies for MAP, POC or IW funding and files it if it does. $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.