AWS Launches Fully Virtual Program, AWS Build, for Early-Stage Startups
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the leading cloud services provider, is introducing a new program called AWS Build to cater to early-stage startup founders. The fully virtual initiative aims to provide educational and informational resources to help these founders develop their companies successfully. Prior to this program, AWS had been running accelerator programs for years, but faced challenges accommodating startups that were still in the pre-seed stage.
Denise Quashie, the Head of Startup Programs at AWS, revealed that the company was rejecting approximately 48% of the startups that applied due to their early-stage status. To address this issue, AWS decided to launch AWS Build, which is now accepting applications. The program will run for 10 weeks from October 9 to December 15, 2023, offering technical and business guidance through a variety of online resources.
Throughout the program duration, participants will have access to online streaming talks delivered by AWS solutions architecture experts, external speakers, lessons, QA discussions, open forums, and community events. The ultimate goal is for these pre-seed startups to successfully launch a minimum viable product by the end of the program. AWS plans to accept an initial cohort of 500 startups from around the world, operating in all regions where AWS is available.
While the program is open to both software and hardware startups, founders who are selected will receive up to $2,000 in AWS credits to support the development of their products and services in the cloud. Notably, neither AWS nor Amazon will take any equity stake in the participating companies. Quashie stressed the program’s focus on assisting startups from the early stages of their cloud journey and helping them bring their products to market more effectively.
After completing the 10-week program, founders will have the opportunity to join the AWS Build community, a global network of peers and technical experts. This community will continue to provide collaboration, advice, and support as the startups grow and evolve. Furthermore, AWS Build graduates may also become eligible for other AWS Accelerator programs, including AWS Activate, which facilitates introductions to venture capitalists and customers.
Quashie emphasized the significance of the community aspect, recognizing that being a founder at the early stage can be isolating. AWS Build aims to connect founders with experts and peers who can offer guidance, problem-solving strategies, and inspiration. By doing so, they hope to establish meaningful connections that will benefit the startups in the long run.
As AWS has been a leading player in the cloud industry for over a decade, offering a wide range of services to millions of customers globally, the introduction of AWS Build further demonstrates their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This newest addition to their portfolio caters specifically to early-stage startups, providing the support and resources they need to thrive in the cloud-based business landscape.
