AWS Activate
What can it help you do?
AWS Activate provides startups with cloud resources and growth support across compute, storage, databases, networking, machine learning, developer tools, training, and technical support.
A currently verifiable route exists
As of September 7, 2026, AWS's official Activate Credits program and the partner offer shown by Secret are different routes. AWS currently lists up to $5,000 for Founders and up to $200,000 for Portfolio; Secret still presents up to $100,000 in credits or a partner discount for companies with existing AWS spend. Decide which route applies before submitting anything.
Deal intelligence
No fixed public expiry date is recorded. Recheck the redemption page before applying.
The current record was verified on 2026-09-07. There is not yet enough history to label it a historical low.
The listed savings cover only the offer period. Confirm the regular renewal price and cancellation terms before claiming.
Coverage of offer, eligibility, source, and review fields—not a deal rating.
How to decide before you claim
- Check the common AWS gate first: founded within the past 10 years, pre-Series B, an AWS Paid Tier account, and either new to Activate Credits or requesting more than a previous award. Do not budget the maximum credit before an approval.
- Self-funded startups that are new to Activate Credits should first evaluate the official Founders route.
- Provider-backed startups with a legitimate Org ID should evaluate the official Portfolio route.
- Companies with existing monthly AWS spend can separately assess Secret's partner route, but should not describe it as guaranteed official AWS credit approval.
Application and checkout checklist
- Prepare a functioning company website, company-domain email, funding-stage details, and accurate company information.
- Create or sign in with an AWS Builder ID, complete the Activate profile, and choose Founders or Portfolio.
- For Portfolio, use only the confidential Org ID supplied by an Activate Provider with which your startup is genuinely affiliated.
- Link an active AWS account, review the application, submit, and follow status in the official application portal.
- If considering Secret's partner route, separately verify current AWS spend, company-profile requirements, and partner terms.
Risks that can change the decision
- The Founders route currently starts with $1,000, with selected participants potentially qualifying for up to $5,000; a Portfolio award still depends on eligibility, prior awards, and review.
- An Org ID is not a public coupon code and should not be bought, copied, or used without a real provider relationship.
- Credits generally offset eligible new charges for a limited period; standard billing resumes after credits are exhausted or expire.
- A third-party partner discount can introduce billing relationships, manual review, or other commercial conditions that require separate review.
AWS credits runway planner
Estimate how quickly credits may be consumed as usage grows. Separate eligible AWS charges from costs that still require cash; this is a planning model, not an AWS bill forecast.
Use the Billing console's applicable-products, estimated balance, and expiration fields for your real inputs. Taxes, support, marketplace purchases, or other charges may not be eligible under your award terms.
Evidence used for this decision
- AWS official Activate CreditsConfirms official tiers, stages, and the application entry point.
- AWS official application guideConfirms required information, account linking, and review steps.
- AWS Billing: applying creditsConfirms applicable products, estimated balance, expiration, and automatic application order.
- Secret: AWS partner offerChecks the separate partner route; it is not an AWS approval guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How much AWS Activate credit can a startup receive?
As of September 7, 2026, AWS lists up to $5,000 for Founders and up to $200,000 for Portfolio. The amount still depends on funding stage, prior awards, provider affiliation, and final review; the live application and approval determine the actual award.
Can a startup apply after receiving AWS Activate Credits before?
AWS's current common eligibility allows a request for more credits than previously received, but not an automatic top-up. The startup must still meet the stage, age, Paid Tier account, and relevant Founders or Portfolio conditions; AWS makes the final decision.
Is Secret's AWS offer the same as applying directly to AWS Activate?
No. Secret presents a partner route with separate spend and company-profile requirements, while official Activate Credits follow AWS's own eligibility review.
Can I apply without an Org ID?
You can evaluate the Founders route for self-funded startups. The Portfolio route requires an Org ID from an Activate Provider with which your startup is genuinely affiliated.