Startup credit programs for AWS and Claude
Four programs can pay part of your cloud and AI bill. Here is what each one gives, who it is for, and which to apply for first.
The programs, one by one
AWS Activate Founders: credits for bootstrapped startups
AWS Activate Founders gives self-funded startups $1,000 in AWS credits. Who qualifies, how to apply step by step, how long it takes and how to use the credits for Claude.
8 min read
AWS Activate Portfolio: up to $200,000 through your investor or accelerator
AWS Activate Portfolio gives backed startups up to $200,000 in AWS credits. How the Organization ID works, who qualifies, how to apply, how long it takes and how to make the grant last.
10 min read
Claude for Startups: API credits from Anthropic
Claude for Startups gives early-stage companies $1,000 in Claude API credits, a year of Claude Team and partner offers. Who qualifies, how to apply, where the credits work and how to combine them with AWS credits.
8 min readFour programs at a glance
| Program | Amount | Who it is for | Decision | Credits last |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Activate Founders | $1,000, up to $5,000 for select startups | Self-funded startups | About 7 to 10 business days | 1 to 2 years |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Up to $200,000 | Startups backed by an Activate Provider, pre-Series B | About 7 to 10 business days | 1 to 2 years |
| Claude for Startups | $1,000, plus a year of Claude Team | Founded in the last 5 years or funded in the last 2 | Minutes, or 2 to 3 business days | 6 months |
| Claude partner VC credits | Up to $100,000 | Startups backed by an Anthropic partner VC | Through the investor | Set by Anthropic |
Where each credit can be spent
A credit is a discount on one company’s invoice. AWS credits pay for Claude only through Amazon Bedrock. Anthropic credits pay only on the Anthropic API. Neither works on the other.
Which program to apply for first
- Claude for Startups
The fastest decision and no investor needed. Apply when you have traffic, because the credits last six months.
- AWS Activate Founders
If you are self-funded. It is small, and it does not block a larger package later.
- AWS Activate Portfolio
If an investor or accelerator backs you. Ask them for the Organization ID and apply within 12 months of your round.
- Claude partner VC credits
If your investor is an Anthropic partner. Only they can tell you.
Not sure where you stand? The eligibility check takes about three minutes and gives you a status and a readiness score for each program.
Common questions
Which startup credit program is the easiest to get?
Claude for Startups has the shortest application and the fastest decision: Anthropic says most applications are decided within minutes. AWS Activate Founders has the lightest requirements on the AWS side.
Can I apply to several programs at once?
Yes. They are separate programs run by AWS and Anthropic, and each application is reviewed on its own.
Do I need an investor to get startup credits?
Not for Claude for Startups or AWS Activate Founders. You need a provider for AWS Activate Portfolio and a partner VC for the additional Claude credits.
Can I use AWS credits for Claude?
Yes, when Claude runs through Amazon Bedrock. AWS credits do not cover usage billed by Anthropic.
Does Creduna submit the application?
No. Creduna checks eligibility and prepares the draft. You review it and submit it from your own account.
Is Creduna affiliated with AWS or Anthropic?
No. Creduna is an independent company. Eligibility and awards are decided by the program provider.