AWS Activate and Microsoft for Startups credits

What is a founder credit programme?

A founder credit programme is a package of credits and technical support that a cloud provider gives startups to spend on its own services. Credits are not cash; they are deducted from the bill for servers, databases and AI services. The startup applies, and the programme decides on eligibility and the amount.

AWS and Microsoft run two of the best-known programmes. Both are tiered: smaller credits for self-funded founders, larger credits for startups working with an investor or accelerator. Our founder programmes guide lists the programmes on one page.

What does AWS Activate offer?

AWS Activate is Amazon Web Services' programme of AWS credits and expert support for startups. The official page mentions "up to $200,000" in AWS Activate credits. That ceiling belongs to the tier for companies applying through an Activate Provider, such as an accelerator, angel investor or venture capital firm.

The AWS Activate page (accessed 12 October 2026) gives the overview, and the credits page (accessed 12 October 2026) gives the tiers and conditions:

• Activate Founders: for self-funded startups; up to $5,000 in credits, starting with $1,000.
• Activate Portfolio: for pre-Series B startups; up to $200,000 in credits, with an Organization ID (Org ID) from an Activate Provider.
• General eligibility: pre-Series B, founded in the last ten years, an AWS account on a paid tier plan, and either new to Activate credits or requesting more than before.

What does Microsoft for Startups offer?

Microsoft for Startups gives startups access to AI models, developer tools and Azure credits. Microsoft's official page says the programme offers "up to $150,000 in credits" and that credits can be applied across eligible Azure services. The programme decides at which stages and on which conditions credits open up.

Microsoft's startups page (accessed 12 October 2026) gives the ceiling and scope but no detailed eligibility list; the application asks for company and product details. Third-party sites quote different tier amounts, so confirm the current tiers on Microsoft's own pages.

Why does a US company help with these programmes?

Credit programmes take applications in a company's name: the company name, website, work email and often formation details. A US company keeps the cloud account, billing and contracts under one legal entity, and if you plan to raise money, company structure becomes part of that conversation too.

With our LLC formation service, we form your company; the state approves the formation. If you build software, our guide to a US company for developers shows which decisions stay with you and which steps we run. Planning to raise? Read Delaware for founders planning to raise.

Step by step: preparing a credit application

This sequence shows who does what when you apply to a credit programme with a US company. Programmes can change what they ask for, so read the official pages again just before you apply. Each step names who does the work and who decides, so it is clear which steps are yours and which are ours.

1. We form your company. You choose the state and name, we file, the state approves.
2. We get your EIN. The IRS issues the number and the letter arrives in your vault; see our EIN service.
3. You set up your domain and work email. Programmes often expect an email that matches the company domain and a working website.
4. You open the cloud account in the company's name. AWS requires an account on a paid tier plan.
5. You apply. If you work with an accelerator or investor, you get the Org ID from them.
6. The programme decides. The amount, validity and terms of use are in the programme's approval.

Which documents should be ready before you apply?

Application forms ask for details that identify your company: most often the legal name, the formation document, the EIN, the website and a work email. Having them ready lets you finish the form in one go and keeps the company name spelled the same everywhere.

• The formation document (Articles of Organization in Wyoming, Certificate of Formation in Delaware)
• The EIN confirmation letter
• A website and a work email on the company domain
• An Org ID from your investor or accelerator, if you have one

The formation document and EIN letter are in your LaunchUS vault. See pricing for what each plan includes.

Where are the terms, and who decides?

Eligibility, credit tiers and validity terms apply only as written on the programmes' official pages and in the approval you receive, and programmes can change them without notice. You apply; the programme reviews and decides. LaunchUS does not apply on your behalf or promise acceptance, and does not give tax or legal advice on how credits are treated.