AWS vs Azure vs GCP startup credits
The three big clouds all run startup programs — but they gate their biggest tiers very differently. Here’s what each gives you on your own versus with an accelerator, so you can pick the right one to start on.
Last updated July 2026
At a glance
Side by side
| Program | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-apply, no funding | $1KNo funding | $150KNo funding | $2KNo funding |
| Top tier | $100KPartner / funding | $150K | $200KPartner / funding |
| Validity | 24 months | 60 months | 24 months |
| Full guide | AWS guide | Azure guide | GCP guide |
Figures are the tracked ceilings for each provider’s startup program — see the full directory for every tier and eligibility detail.
The verdict
Which should you start on?
If you haven’t raised yet, Azure gives the most on your own. If you’re in an accelerator or have raised, AWS and Google Cloud open up much larger ceilings — and you can claim more than one.
The broadest service catalog and the easiest open tier to start on, but the six-figure Portfolio tier is unlocked only through an affiliated accelerator, incubator, or VC.
Read the AWS guideThe strongest deal for bootstrapped founders: the highest no-funding ceiling of the three, staged as you grow, bundled with GitHub, Microsoft 365, and Azure OpenAI access.
Read the Azure guideExcellent AI and data tooling, with a large Scale tier — but that top tier needs both outside funding and an accelerator/VC referral to reach.
Read the GCP guideFAQ
Common questions
- Which cloud gives the most startup credits without funding?
- Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub offers the highest self-apply ceiling — up to $150,000 in Azure credits with no funding or accelerator requirement. AWS and Google Cloud reserve their six-figure tiers for startups affiliated with an accelerator or VC.
- Can a bootstrapped founder get the AWS $100,000 tier?
- Not directly. The AWS Activate Portfolio tier is unlocked through an affiliated AWS Activate Provider (an accelerator, incubator, or VC). Bootstrapped founders can self-apply for the open Activate Founders tier, then upgrade after joining a provider.
- Can I use AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud credits at the same time?
- Yes. The programs are independent, so you can claim credits from more than one provider and run different workloads on each. See our guide on how to stack cloud credits.