Head to head
AWS Activate Portfolio vs Microsoft for Startups
Benefit value, eligibility, and terms for AWS Activate Portfolio and Microsoft for Startups, side by side and cited.
- Live · checked 1 h ago
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AWS Activate Portfolio by Amazon Web Services·Microsoft for Startups by Microsoft
Buyer's guide: Best Startup Cloud Credits in 2026Google for Startups Cloud has the highest ceiling (up to $350K); Microsoft Founders Hub is the most open ($5K self-serve); AWS has the largest ecosystem.
Open to
Global
Global
Applications
Check application availability
Check application availability
Benefit type
Credits
Credits
Funding
VC / accelerator-backed
Any startup
Runway / expiry
Activate credits are valid up to 2 years from the date of issue; one-time enrollment.
Credits must be activated within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. The first $200 lasts up to 90 days from sign-up and the $5,000 milestone up to 180 days; reaching $25,000 gives a one-time two-year period, and Investor Network startups get two years from approval. Unused credits do not carry forward and extensions are not available. The subscription converts to pay-as-you-go when credits run out or expire.
Source
aws.amazon.com
microsoft.com
Terms checked
Value
Up to $200K bigger
Up to $150K
Blue marks the bigger benefit value. These are facts, not a recommendation: the right program depends on your stage, your funding, and what you need. Confirm current terms on each provider page.
The bottom line
What actually differs
- AWS Activate Portfolio offers the largest benefit value (Up to $200K).
Go deeper
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