Skip to content
LaunchUS
Get started

How it worksFounder programs

Founder programs and perks that open up with a US company

A company formed in the US opens many doors, from cloud providers’ founder programs to accelerators. This guide explains what the programs offer, which documents applications usually ask for, and where the formation certificate and EIN letter in your vault and the LaunchUS Registered Agent address come in. Program terms live on each program’s own page and change; the outcome of an application is the program’s decision, and LaunchUS does not promise acceptance. It is process transparency, not legal, financial or tax advice.

Applying to these programmes often requires a US company. Form your US company explains the process from the start; if you build an app or SaaS, a US company for developers collects developer accounts and documents as well.

Programs and their official sources

Each row states what the program offers, who it addresses and links its official page. Amounts, tiers and terms apply only as written on the official page; we do not repeat them here.

  1. 01
    Cloud credits

    AWS Activate

    Amazon Web Services’ program for founders; it offers cloud credits, technical support and training content. Tiers and terms are on the program page.

    Who it suits Early-stage companies building, or planning to build, their product on AWS.

    Source

  2. 02
    Cloud credits

    Google for Startups Cloud Program

    Google Cloud’s founder program; it offers tiered cloud credits and support by company stage (pre-funded, early stage, later stage). Applications go through Google’s own form.

    Who it suits Pre-funded or early-stage companies building on Google Cloud.

    Source

  3. 03
    Cloud credits

    Microsoft for Startups

    Microsoft’s founder program; it offers startup credits usable across eligible Azure services, access to AI tools and developer tools. Sign-up uses a Microsoft account.

    Who it suits Companies building on Azure and Microsoft tools.

    Source

  4. 04
    Tools and software

    Notion for Startups

    Notion’s founder program; it offers discounted or credited use for a set period. Duration and terms are on the program page.

    Who it suits Early-stage teams running their documents and processes in Notion.

    Source

What applications usually ask for

Programs ask different questions, but these four items are common to most. The first two are ready in your vault.

  1. 1

    Formation certificate

    The formation document approved by the state (Articles of Organization in Wyoming, Certificate of Formation in Delaware). It sits in the Formation category of your vault.

  2. 2

    EIN letter

    The IRS EIN confirmation letter (CP 575); many programs ask for the company’s tax number. The LaunchUS team adds it to your vault when it arrives.

  3. 3

    Business address and website

    Programs mostly ask for a working website, an e-mail on the company domain and a business address. The Registered Agent address is for official notices; a separate business address is used for applications.

  4. 4

    Founder identity and company details

    The founder’s identity and the company’s formation date, state and ownership structure are asked; the details you give must match the formation documents.

How does your vault fill after you order?

Reading the programs

  1. 1

    Terms change

    Program tiers, amounts and eligibility rules change often. This guide types no amount; the current terms are always on the official page, linked on every row.

  2. 2

    The outcome is the program’s decision

    You submit the application; the program assesses it. LaunchUS keeps the documents ready in your vault; it does not promise acceptance and does not apply on your behalf.

  3. 3

    Bank and fintech perks

    Some financial institutions offer founders extra perks; account opening and the perks depend on the institution’s own assessment. A real business address and an EIN are usually required; the Registered Agent address is not a verification address. This guide endorses no particular institution.

  4. 4

    Accelerators and investors

    Many accelerators and investors ask for a US company or help set one up. Acceptance criteria and expectations about company structure are on the program page; which state you form in is a separate decision.

Other articles in this series

Back to the how-it-works guide

State guides

Choosing a state is not the subject of this series; the Wyoming and Delaware guides and the comparison page give the decision framework.

What we do not do

  • We do not give legal, tax or accounting advice.
  • We do not file with the state ourselves; the filing goes through the LaunchUS Registered Agent service, we prepare and track.
  • We do not issue the EIN; the IRS issues the number, we prepare and track the application. Approval and timing are not guaranteed.
  • We do not open bank, payment-provider or marketplace accounts, and we do not guarantee their approval.
  • State/government fees are not included in our service fee; they are shown separately and may change.

Start your order.

Create your account and enter your details. LaunchUS reviews them, prepares your filing and puts every document in your vault.

Start your company