AWS credits for self-funded startups: apply for Founders yourself, and look at the partner route.
AWS says self-funded startups apply directly for Activate Founders: $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.
- If you fund the company yourself, apply for Activate Founders directly: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. No investor, accelerator or partner 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 self-funded startups this is the larger route.
- Nobody can file Activate for you. Activate Portfolio needs an Org ID from an Activate Provider, such as a VC firm or accelerator, so it opens up if you raise from one later.
ITwo AWS routes for a self-funded startup
A self-funded 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. AWS says bootstrapped and self-funded startups apply directly.
- 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.
The two routes are separate, so you can apply for Founders and also work with a partner. Earlier versions of this page said a partner could file Activate Founders or Portfolio for you. That was wrong: you apply for Activate yourself.
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.
IIWho files each kind of AWS funding
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. |
IIIHow to apply for Activate Founders yourself
Founders is self-serve. It takes an AWS account and a short application.
- 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.
- Apply for Activate Founders ($1,000 to start, up to $5,000) on that page.
- 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.
- If you raise later from a VC firm, accelerator, incubator or angel group that is an Activate Provider, ask it for an Org ID and apply for Activate Portfolio (up to $200,000). Apply within 12 months of your latest funding date.
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 a self-funded startup get AWS credits?
Is self-funded different from bootstrapped for AWS?
I had a previous exit. Can a partner get me Activate Portfolio?
I never plan to raise. Does that matter to AWS?
Can CloudRoute or a partner apply for Activate for me?
Why is CloudRoute free for startups?
See what a partner can file for your self-funded 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.