AWS vs Microsoft startup offers
Compare AWS and Microsoft startup offers: what each offer gives, who qualifies, what it costs and how access works. Check the source behind each record.
The short answer
AWS offers at least $200,000 in credits through its AI startup offer, which is larger than Microsoft's top offer of up to $150,000. None of AWS's live offers costs the startup anything, whereas Microsoft for Startups Program does not state what it costs. Microsoft accepts direct applications from startups looking to build, scale, and sell on Azure.
Terms that change the decision
| Dimension | AWS | Microsoft |
|---|---|---|
| Credits | AWS Activate Portfolio credits: Up to $200,000AWS Activate Credits: Up to $200,000AWS Activate Founders: Up to $5,000AWS credits for AI startups: At least $200,000 | None |
| Cost | AWS Activate Portfolio credits: Nothing to payAWS Activate Credits: Nothing to payAWS Activate Founders: Nothing to payAWS credits for AI startups: Nothing to pay | Cost not confirmed |
| Who qualifies | AWS Activate Portfolio credits: Company was founded within the last 10 years; Must be pre-Series B and apply with an AWS Activate Provider Org ID; AWS also reviews prior credits and other application requirementsAWS Activate Credits: Apply for AWS Activate Credits as a startupAWS Activate Founders: Company was founded within the last 10 years; Must be self-funded, pre-Series B, have an AWS account on a paid tier, and be new to Activate credits or request more credits than previously receivedAWS credits for AI startups: Must be an invited AI startup ready to scale after AWS Activate Portfolio | Designed for founders and startups looking to build, scale, and sell on Azure |
| Access | AWS Activate Portfolio credits: Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Application form.AWS Activate Credits: Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Application form.AWS Activate Founders: Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Application form.AWS credits for AI startups: Open only to startups the vendor invites. Contact the vendor. | Open to direct application by any startup that meets the eligibility requirements, with no referral, invitation or membership needed. Application form. |
The offers behind the numbers
AWS
AWS provides cloud infrastructure, data services, and AI and machine-learning tools.
- AWS Activate Portfolio creditsPre-Series B startups with an AWS Activate Provider Org ID can apply for up to $200,000 in AWS Activate credits.
- AWS Activate CreditsEligible startups can apply for up to $200,000 in AWS Activate credits.
- AWS Activate FoundersSelf-funded, pre-Series B startups founded within the last 10 years can apply for $1,000 in AWS credits, with selected participants eligible for up to $5,000.
- AWS credits for AI startupsInvite-only AI startups ready to scale after AWS Activate Portfolio can receive more than $200,000 in AWS credits.
Microsoft
Microsoft provides cloud services, AI platforms, and developer tools to help startups build, scale, and sell enterprise-grade solutions.
Best fit
Microsoft fits founders and startups looking to build, scale, and sell on Azure.
- Microsoft for Startups ProgramAccess AI models, developer tools, expert guidance, and up to $150,000 in credits across eligible Azure services to support early development through production workloads.
Which fits when
Self-funded startups
AWS Activate Founders fits self-funded startups seeking up to $5,000 in credits without an outside backer.
Assumes
- It assumes your company was founded within the last 10 years and remains pre-Series B.
Caveat
You must already have an AWS account on a paid tier, and be new to Activate credits or request more credits than previously received.
Startups with an Activate Provider
AWS Activate Portfolio credits fits startups linked to an approved partner, offering up to $200,000 in credits.
Assumes
- It assumes you apply with an AWS Activate Provider Org ID, was founded within the last 10 years, and are pre-Series B.
Caveat
AWS reviews prior credits and other application requirements before granting the offer.
Startups older than 10 years
Assumes
- It assumes your startup plans to build, scale, and sell on Azure.
What the evidence does not settle
- What getting the Microsoft for Startups Program offer costs the startup is not stated.
- A check on 16 Oct 2026 found AWS's page stating AWS Activate Portfolio credits requires an AWS Account on Paid Tier Plan.
- A check on 14 Oct 2026 found that Microsoft's pages for Microsoft for Startups Program no longer state part of what was recorded.
Official material reviewed
- aws.amazon.com/startups/credits?lang=en-USRead 4 Aug 2026
- aws.amazon.com/aws-startups/learn/applying-for-aws-activate-credits-a-step-by-step-guideRead 4 Aug 2026
- microsoft.com/en-us/startupsRead 27 Jul 2026
Sourcey rewrites this comparison when either record changes. Catalog release sha256:2d306ff6e371…
Something changed? Report outdated information or send private evidence through support.