AWS Activate vs. Google Cloud for Startups

AWS Activate offers credits in tiers based on your funding stage. Self-funded founders can start with $1,000 (select participants qualify for up to $5,000); startups backed by a VC, accelerator, or angel investor in AWS's Activate Provider network can apply for up to $200,000 using their provider's Organization ID. AI startups ready to scale beyond Activate may be invited to a separate $200,000+ credit program, arranged through your account manager.

Credits offset infrastructure, data services, and AI/ML model costs, including third-party models on Amazon Bedrock. The program also includes AWS Startup Advisor for personalized technical guidance, AWS Marketplace listing to reach enterprise buyers, and go-to-market support through the AWS Partner Network.

To apply for AWS Activate:

• Founded within the last 10 years
• Pre-Series B funding stage
• An AWS account on a paid tier plan
• New to Activate Credits, or requesting more credits than you've previously received

Thousands of VCs, accelerators, and startup organizations are AWS Activate Providers — examples named on the page include Andreessen Horowitz, Brex, Carta, Greylock Partners, Sequoia, and Y Combinator.

1. Create your AWS Builder ID with a professional email and complete your profile
2. Choose your tier — Activate Founders if self-funded, or Activate Portfolio if backed by a VC or accelerator (you'll need their Organization ID)
3. Tell AWS about your product, funding stage, and company profile
4. Link your AWS account and submit — AWS typically responds within 5-10 business days

The Google for Startups Cloud Program's Scale tier gives eligible early-stage companies up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over 2 years — 100% of up to $100,000 in year one, then a 20% credit on your spend in year two (up to another $100,000). AI-first qualified startups can access $150,000 more, for up to $350,000 total. Credits cover Google's own models like Gemini and Gemma; third-party models are billed directly and aren't covered.

The tier also includes $12,000 in Enhanced Support credits for one year, 12 months of free Google Workspace Business Plus (if your domain isn't already on a paid Workspace plan), a $600 monthly Google Maps credit for one year (separate application required), $500 in Google Skills training credits, a dedicated business support and success manager, and additional partner offers.

Startups that don't qualify for Scale may still be considered for Google's other tiers (Pre-Funded or Series B+).

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.

Apply on the Google for Startups Cloud Program page (cloud.google.com/startup/early-stage). Have your 18-character Google Cloud billing account ID ready before you start — you can create one first if you don't have it.