AWS credits for bootstrapped startups: the partner route is the larger one.
With no VC, Activate Founders gives you $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. Through a vetted AWS partner, the same startup can get $50K to $150K in partner-filed MAP, POC or IW funding. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- With no investor, you can apply for Activate Founders yourself: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. No partner or accelerator needed.
- A vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or incremental workload (IW) funding for your work: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. For most bootstrapped startups this is the larger route.
- Activate Portfolio needs an Org ID from an Activate Provider. If you build AI, the directory lists NVIDIA Inception, which is free to join and needs no VC, as one.
ITwo routes for a startup with no investor
A bootstrapped startup has two AWS routes. You apply for one yourself. A vetted AWS partner files the other for specific work.
- Activate Founders (you apply): $1,000 to start, up to $5,000, self-serve on the AWS credits page. No investor, accelerator or partner needed.
- Partner-filed funding (a partner files): MAP if you are moving to AWS, POC if you want to test something, IW if you are already on AWS and launching new work. $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
For most bootstrapped startups, the partner route is the larger one. The two are separate, so you can apply for Founders and also work with a partner.
AWS reviews every request and decides. CloudRoute is free for startups. Partners pay CloudRoute a monthly membership plus 10% of AWS-approved funding. Sources: the AWS MAP page and the AWS partner funding page.
IICan you get Activate Portfolio without a VC?
Portfolio needs an Org ID or invite from an AWS Activate Provider: a VC firm, accelerator, incubator or angel investor.
Some programs that do not ask for a VC are Activate Providers. The CloudRoute directory lists NVIDIA Inception, which is free for incorporated AI startups under 10 years old. Approved members can request an AWS Activate Org ID and apply for Portfolio. AWS decides the amount. See the NVIDIA Inception entry.
If you raise later from an Activate Provider, ask it for an Org ID and apply for Portfolio then, up to $200,000. Apply within 12 months of your latest funding date.
IIIWho files each kind of AWS funding
A startup can get two kinds of AWS money. You apply for Activate credits yourself. Only an AWS consulting partner can request MAP, POC and incremental workload (IW) 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. |
IVHow to apply for AWS Activate yourself
You do not need anyone to file Activate for you, and a consulting partner cannot.
- Check the rules on the AWS credits page: pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, and an AWS account on a paid plan.
- No investor behind you: apply for Activate Founders ($1,000 to start, up to $5,000). It is self-serve.
- Backed by a VC, accelerator, incubator or angel group: ask it for its Activate Provider Org ID or an invite. Then apply for Activate Portfolio (up to $200,000). Apply within 12 months of your latest funding date.
- AI startup ready to scale: AWS Credits for AI Startups ($200,000 or more, by invitation) is arranged through your AWS account manager.
- AWS says you hear back within 5 to 10 business days. Credits usually expire within 1 to 2 years, so apply when you have work to run.
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
Can I get AWS credits without a VC?
I am a solo founder. Does that matter?
Do I need an LLC or another company?
My startup is profitable. Does that change anything?
Can I apply for Activate Portfolio later if I raise?
Can CloudRoute or a partner apply for Activate for me?
Why is CloudRoute free for startups?
See what a partner can file for your bootstrapped startup.
Tell us what you run and what you plan to move, test or build. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.