Founder Perks & Credits Directory (2025)

Common eligibility patterns

• Stage & incorporation: Many require you to be incorporated (often a C-Corp/LLC) and under certain revenue/employee caps.
• Portfolio verification: Higher-tier credits (e.g., cloud) may require an accelerator, VC, or partner referral.
• Use case fit: AI/ML workloads may unlock larger tiers (e.g., compute + GPU credits).
• One-time per company: Some programs are one-time or once per founder/company lifetime.

Cloud examples

• AWS Activate Founders: Early-stage; basic credits and support. Portfolio route offers higher tiers. Queries like AWS credits for startups, AWS credits free, or AWS credits promo code often map back to official programs.
• Microsoft Founders Hub benefits: Credits scale with stage; includes Azure OpenAI access for eligible projects.
• Students: Get free AWS credits for students through student-focused initiatives and campus programs (terms vary by region).

Tip: Avoid "AWS credits buy" offers from third parties — stick to official or partner-verified routes to stay compliant.