Choosing the right cloud credit program can determine how fast your startup moves from idea to traction. For most founders, cloud infrastructure is both a necessity and a cost driver. Thankfully, AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft now make it easier for early-stage teams to build without breaking the bank.
Each platform offers free credits, mentorship, and developer support. Still, every program has unique strengths. Let’s compare the three leading options and see which one truly fits your startup.
Why Cloud Credits Matter for Early-Stage Founders
Cloud credits are more than just free hosting , they’re strategic runway. With the right credits, you can test prototypes, train AI models, and scale workloads before committing to long-term infrastructure costs.
Through XRaise.ai, founders can explore, verify eligibility, and apply for all major credit programs, including AWS Activate, Google Cloud for Startups, and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub all in one place.
Cloud Credit Comparison: AWS vs Google Cloud vs Microsoft
| Feature | AWS Activate | Google Cloud for Startups (GCP Start / GCP Scale) | Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Value | $1K – $300K | $2K (Start) – $350K (Scale) | $1K – $150K |
| Duration | 12–24 months | 12–24 months | 12–24 months |
| AI / Dev Tools | SageMaker, Bedrock, Lambda | Vertex AI, BigQuery, Firebase | Azure AI, GitHub, Visual Studio |
| Support & Mentorship | Business support & cost tools | AI workshops & webinars | 1:1 mentorship, founder community |
| Eligibility | Pre-Series B, <10 years old | Founded <5 years, new to GCP | All early-stage startups |
| Best For | Infra-heavy or AI SaaS teams | AI / Web3 startups | Integrated tech & productivity stack |
All three programs go beyond financial support. Each one includes guidance, resources, and partner ecosystems that help founders scale responsibly.
AWS Activate Fast Setup and Scalable Power
AWS Activate gives early-stage startups the flexibility to build quickly without upfront costs. Eligible founders receive $1,000 in AWS credits, with potential access to up to $300,000 for advanced use cases such as AI or Web3.
Key Benefits:
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- Redeemable on 200+ services, including EC2, S3, Lambda, and SageMaker
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- Auto-applied credits no manual code needed
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- Access to AWS Cost Explorer and Business Support
Eligibility:
Startups must be under 10 years old, new to AWS Activate, and pre-Series B.
XRaise Insight:
If your product relies heavily on backend infrastructure or you’re experimenting with AI, AWS offers a fast, scalable foundation that adapts as you grow.
🔗 Read the full AWS Activate guide →
Google Cloud for Startups Ideal for AI and Data-Driven Teams
Google Cloud for Startups provides one of the most generous credit packages in the ecosystem. Startups can receive up to $350,000 over two years, depending on their funding stage and technical focus.
Credit Tiers:
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- $2,000 (GCP Start): For new or bootstrapped startups
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- $200,000 (GCP Scale): For equity-funded startups
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- $350,000: For AI-first and Web3 companies
Benefits:
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- Access to Vertex AI, Firebase, BigQuery, and Cloud Run
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- Technical sessions, architecture reviews, and webinars
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- Global startup community and AI learning resources
Eligibility:
Your startup must be less than five years old, have a valid domain email, and be new to Google Cloud’s startup program.
XRaise Insight:
If your company builds with data, analytics, or generative AI, Google Cloud offers the strongest innovation runway with unmatched machine learning tools.
🔗 Apply for Google Cloud Credits →
Microsoft for Startups, The All-in-One Growth Platform
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub delivers up to $150,000 in Azure credits plus access to a complete developer and productivity suite. Beyond credits, the program helps founders collaborate, code, and grow through the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
Benefits Include:
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- Tiered Azure credits ($1K → $150K) that increase with progress
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- GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio, and Microsoft 365 access
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- Azure AI and 1:1 mentorship with Microsoft experts
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- Go-to-market support and global founder community
Eligibility:
Open to all early-stage startups no funding required.
XRaise Insight:
If your team values mentorship, developer tools, and business software integration, Microsoft’s Founders Hub combines all three in one ecosystem.
🔗 Explore Azure Credits for Startups →
Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Activate | Widely used, reliable, flexible for AI/infra | Smaller entry credits ($1K) |
| Google Cloud | Most generous for AI & Web3 | Requires new accounts; strict for top tiers |
| Microsoft for Startups | Includes tools, mentorship, and no funding requirement | Less AI-focused; smaller overall pool |
Which Program Fits Your Startup Best?
✅ Choose AWS Activate if you’re building infrastructure-heavy or early AI products that require scalable compute power.
👉 Meanwhile, Google Cloud for Startups is the stronger choice if your focus is on AI, machine learning, or data-driven innovation.
💡 In contrast, Microsoft for Startups works best if you want mentorship, business tools, and an integrated tech stack to collaborate and grow faster.
Through XRaise.ai, you can apply for all three programs under one verified startup profile saving time, simplifying access, and maximizing your eligibility.
Build Smarter, Not Just Cheaper
Every credit program can accelerate growth, but the right one should align with your strategy.
AWS helps you scale reliably, Google Cloud fuels AI breakthroughs, and Microsoft strengthens team productivity.
With XRaise.ai, you don’t need to choose blindly. Compare, apply, and grow with clarity.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for multiple programs?
Yes. You can combine credits from different providers through XRaise for broader coverage.
Q2: How long do credits last?
Most programs remain valid for 12–24 months, depending on usage and tier.
Q3: Do I need funding to qualify?
No. AWS and Microsoft allow unfunded startups; Google’s higher tiers favor funded or AI-first companies.
Q4: Are these programs global?
Yes. All three are available internationally with regional support.
Final Thoughts
Cloud credits give founders breathing room to experiment and scale. By comparing before applying, you make smarter infrastructure choices and stretch your runway.
🚀 Start comparing today:
👉 Explore Startup Perks on XRaise.ai
