AWS credits for Pear VC startups: ask for the Org ID, then apply yourself.
If Pear VC is an AWS Activate Provider, it can give you an Org ID. Then you apply for Activate Portfolio yourself, up to $200,000. A vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or incremental workload funding for your work.
- Ask Pear VC whether it is an AWS Activate Provider, and for its Org ID or an invite. AWS does not publish the full list of providers.
- You apply for Activate Portfolio yourself, up to $200,000, depending on the provider's offer. You do not need a partner, and a partner cannot file it.
- A partner can file a different kind of AWS funding: MAP, POC or incremental workload (IW). That is $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
IHow Activate works for Pear VC companies
Activate Portfolio is not a Pear VC benefit you get automatically. It is an AWS application you submit yourself, with a code from your provider.
AWS works with hundreds of VC firms, accelerators and angel investors as Activate Providers, says its providers page. AWS does not publish the full list. Ask Pear VC whether it is a provider. If it is, it gives each startup a one-time Org ID or an email invite.
Ask your Pear VC contact for the Org ID. Then apply on the AWS credits page yourself. The amount depends on the provider's offer, up to $200,000. Each Org ID works once. Apply within 12 months of your latest funding date.
You do not need a partner for this, and a partner cannot file it for you.
IIWho 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. |
IIIWhat a vetted AWS partner can file for you
Activate credits pay for usage. Partner-filed funding pays for a specific piece of work: a migration, a test or a new workload. It comes on top of Activate: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- MAP (Migration Acceleration Program): You are not on AWS yet and want to move. Your matched partner scopes the migration and files MAP funding when it qualifies.
- POC (proof of concept) funding: You want to test something, on AWS or not. Your matched partner scopes the test and files POC funding when it qualifies.
- IW (incremental workload) funding: You are already on AWS and are launching new work: an AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. Your matched partner files IW funding when the new workload qualifies.
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.
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
Is Pear VC an AWS Activate Provider?
How much Activate Portfolio can a Pear VC company get?
Is the partner route separate from Activate?
Can CloudRoute or a partner apply for Activate for me?
How long does AWS take to review an Activate application?
Why is CloudRoute free for startups?
Find out which partner-filed funding fits your work.
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.