$5,000
AWS Activate Founders
- Bootstrapped/self-funded, pre-Series B, founded in last 10 years
Amazon SES Startup Credits: 3 Programs Explained
SES usage is covered by AWS Activate credits: $1K–$5K self-funded, up to $200K via an investor Org ID, $200K+ by invitation.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
SES usage is covered by AWS Activate credits: $1K–$5K self-funded, up to $200K via an investor Org ID, $200K+ by invitation.
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Best for
Startups sending transactional email on AWSVC-backed teams already on AWSBootstrapped founders needing cheap email
Do you qualify for Amazon SES?
You likely qualify if
- Pre-Series B and founded in the last 10 years
- AWS account upgraded to the Paid Tier plan (Free plan accounts are ineligible)
- Fully functioning company website and business email on your startup domain
- Portfolio tier: Org ID from an Activate Provider (VC, accelerator, angel)
- New to Activate, or requesting more than you previously received
You won't qualify if
- Series B or later, or founded more than 10 years ago
- Already received Activate credits of equal or greater value
- AWS account still on the Free plan
- Consultancy, dev shop or agency, or crypto-mining business (per creditforstartups)
Common rejection reasons
- Business email domain doesn't match the startup website
- Missing or invalid Activate Provider Org ID on Portfolio
- Inaccurate funding stage or funding date
How to apply for Amazon SES
- Check eligibility: pre-Series B, under 10 years old, Paid Tier AWS account
- Create or sign in to an AWS Builder ID and complete the Activate profile
- Pick Founders (self-funded) or Portfolio (enter your provider's Org ID)
- Link your AWS account and submit at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits
- Activate: credits appear in Billing console after approval (5-10 business days)
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Amazon SES often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Amazon SES give startups?
$1,000 in AWS credits, up to $5,000 for select startups; Up to $200,000 in AWS credits; $200,000+ in AWS credits. SES usage is covered by AWS Activate credits: $1K–$5K self-funded, up to $200K via an investor Org ID, $200K+ by invitation.
Does Amazon SES take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Amazon SES?
Pre-Series B and founded in the last 10 years. AWS account upgraded to the Paid Tier plan (Free plan accounts are ineligible). Fully functioning company website and business email on your startup domain.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Amazon SES?
1) Check eligibility: pre-Series B, under 10 years old, Paid Tier AWS account 2) Create or sign in to an AWS Builder ID and complete the Activate profile 3) Pick Founders (self-funded) or Portfolio (enter your provider's Org ID) 4) Link your AWS account and submit at aws.amazon.com/startups/credits 5) Activate: credits appear in Billing console after approval (5-10 business days)
Related startup credits
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Don’t miss the next $100K in credits
Get monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.