FoundLyft

AWS Activate alternatives for startups

Other startup cloud credit programmes to compare with AWS Activate. Each one's eligibility, expiry and last-verified date comes from its FoundLyft listing.

If you are comparing cloud credit programmes with AWS Activate, these are others that FoundLyft lists. They are not ranked: the order is simply the order we list them in, not best first. Which one fits depends on where you already build, how your company is funded and what you need to run.

Credit programmes differ in who qualifies, how large the credits are, how long they last and what they cover, and those details change. Every fact on a card is read from that programme's own FoundLyft listing, with the date we last verified it. Read the eligibility line on each card first.

Open a listing for the full terms and how to apply, and confirm the current terms with the programme itself before you apply.

Looking at AWS Activate itself? See its own listing: AWS Activate — startup credits

  1. Google Cloud for Startups logo

    $200,000 in credits (up to $350,000 for AI-first startups)

    Who it suits

    A credit programme for Google Cloud and Firebase, with technical support, so it may suit a team that already builds, or plans to build, on Google's cloud and Firebase.

    What you get

    Google Cloud for Startups provides Google Cloud and Firebase credits plus technical support for eligible early-stage companies.

    Eligibility

    To qualify for the Scale tier, your company must:

    • Have received equity funding (pre-seed to Series A) from an institutional investor, or a qualifying Web3 funding source, within the eligible window (pre-seed/seed within 5 years, Series A within 12 months)
    • Be founded within the last 5 years
    • Not have received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits previously
    • Provide funding verification if operating in stealth mode

    Private equity, government grants, prize funding, crowdfunding, angel, and friends-and-family funding don't qualify for Scale, but may be evaluated for Google's other tiers. Acceptance is at Google Cloud's discretion; it doesn't accept companies that have IPO'd or been acquired, educational institutions, government entities, nonprofits, personal blogs, dev shops, consultancies, agencies, or cryptocurrency mining companies.

    Last verified: October 28, 2026

    See full deal and how to apply →
  2. Microsoft for Startups logo

    Up to $150k in Azure credits

    Who it suits

    Azure credits that the listing says also apply to GitHub services such as Copilot, Codespaces and Actions, so it may suit a team that builds on Azure or wants those GitHub services covered.

    What you get

    Microsoft for Startups gives eligible startups Azure cloud credits along with technical and go-to-market support.

    Eligibility

    Microsoft's page states no specific eligibility criteria.

    Last verified: October 28, 2026

    See full deal and how to apply →
  3. DigitalOcean Startups logo

    12 months of DigitalOcean credits (amount varies)

    Who it suits

    A programme of DigitalOcean cloud credits, with support and a startup community, so it may suit a team that is comfortable hosting on DigitalOcean.

    What you get

    DigitalOcean Startups gives selected startups 12 months of DigitalOcean credits, 15 months of free Standard-tier support, expert one-on-ones and a startup community. The credit amount varies.

    Eligibility

    DigitalOcean prioritizes AI-native startups; service-based businesses (consulting, web or app development, marketing agencies) aren't eligible. You'll need:

    1. $10M or less raised
    2. A company website and matching company email
    3. A new DigitalOcean team account with that email and a valid credit card

    The program is only for startups that haven't used DigitalOcean startup credits before.

    Last verified: September 27, 2026

    See full deal and how to apply →

These are part of our Cloud Credits for Startups collection.