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AWS Activate vs Microsoft for Startups startup credits 2026
Generated from our credits data, which is checked on each vendor page. The vendor page is always the final word.
| Field | AWS Activate | Microsoft for Startups |
|---|---|---|
| Program | AWS Activate | Microsoft for Startups |
| Status | Open | Open |
| Amount | Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID | Starter credits right away (amount not published), up to $150k over time with verified progress and Azure usage |
| Who qualifies | Pre-Series B, founded in last 10 yrs, AWS account on Paid Tier plan, new to Activate or requesting more | Own software product, private, for-profit, HQ where Azure available, under $350k lifetime free Azure credits, not Series C+, not agency/consultancy/school/government/crypto miner |
| Self-funded OK? | Yes, Founders | Yes |
| How to apply | aws.amazon.com/startups/credits (Builder ID, tier, describe startup, link AWS account) | startups.microsoft.com (Get started; Investor Network code optional) |
| Last checked | October 14, 2026 | October 14, 2026 |
Verdict
- No outside funding: both accept self-funded startups (AWS Activate: Yes, Founders; Microsoft for Startups: Yes). Different vendors, so apply to each one you qualify for.
- Pick on the stack you already run, then check the larger tiers against your funding stage: AWS Activate: Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID. Microsoft for Startups: Starter credits right away (amount not published), up to $150k over time with verified progress and Azure usage.
Apply to every program you qualify for
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Which gives more startup credits, AWS Activate or Microsoft for Startups?
AWS Activate: Founders: $1k, select up to $5k. Portfolio: up to $200k with an Activate Provider Org ID. Microsoft for Startups: Starter credits right away (amount not published), up to $150k over time with verified progress and Azure usage. Amounts are published maximums.
Can a self-funded startup get AWS Activate or Microsoft for Startups credits?
AWS Activate: Yes, Founders. Microsoft for Startups: Yes.
Who qualifies for AWS Activate and Microsoft for Startups startup credits?
AWS Activate: Pre-Series B, founded in last 10 yrs, AWS account on Paid Tier plan, new to Activate or requesting more. Microsoft for Startups: Own software product, private, for-profit, HQ where Azure available, under $350k lifetime free Azure credits, not Series C+, not agency/consultancy/school/government/crypto miner.
How do I apply?
AWS Activate: https://aws.amazon.com/startups/credits. Microsoft for Startups: https://startups.microsoft.com. Both checked on the vendor page (AWS Activate 2026-10-14, Microsoft for Startups 2026-10-14).