Unlock Over €1,000,000 in Free Cloud Credits for Your AI Startup

Scaling your AI startup has never been easier —or more challenging. Major cloud providers offer generous free credits that can cover your compute costs for up to two years. In this guide, we'll explore how you can maximize these opportunities and strategically leverage multiple providers to extend your runway.



Why Leverage Multiple Cloud Credits?

Imagine five top-rated restaurants offering you a free meal each. Would you stick to just one or sample as many as you can? The same applies to cloud credits. Don't limit yourself to a single provider. By strategically sampling different platforms, you can maximize free credits and discover the best fit for your startup's needs.



Benefits of Cloud Credits for Startups

  • Significant Cost Savings: Offset your initial infrastructure expenses, allowing you to allocate more resources to product development and growth.
  • Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Experiment with advanced cloud services, including AI and machine learning tools, without upfront costs.
  • Community and Support: Gain access to expert guidance, training, and startup communities to accelerate your growth.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Easily scale your operations to meet growing demands without worrying about infrastructure limitations.
  • Enhanced Reliability and Security: Leverage the robust infrastructure and security features of major cloud providers.
  • Exclusive Perks and Services: Enjoy special offerings like Microsoft 365, GitHub Enterprise, or access to Azure OpenAI Service.


Eligibility Criteria

  • New to Startup Programs
  • Funded from Pre-Seed up to Series B (associated with accelerator or or VC)
  • Have a company website
  • Founded in the past 10 years


Common Challenges and Solutions

Multi-Cloud Complexity: Each provider has its own interface and quirks, making migrations and integrations time-intensive. You can use PERIAN to manage resources across clouds from one unified interface.


GPU Quota Shortages: Securing quotas for in-demand GPUs like H100 can be difficult. Request quotas in multiple regions, start with older GPU generations, and maintain activity on your account to speed up approvals. With PERIAN you do not have to worry about qutoas, since we have a large pool of on-demand GPUs.


Idle Resource Overspending: Unused compute instances are a top source of wasted credits. Automate resource management to terminate idle machines and optimize spending. PERIAN handles this effortlessly.


Major Cloud Providers and Their Startup Programs

AWS Activate Program

  • Up to €100,000 in AWS credits over two years.
  • Tiered credits starting from $1,000, with more available based on funding and affiliations.
  • AWS AI accelerator for underrepresented founders that provides $125,000 cash and up to $100,000 in credits for startups led by Black, women, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ founders.
  • AWS Impact accelerator offers up to $300,000 credits for GenAI startups.

Google for Startups Cloud Program

  • Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years.
  • Two tiers: Start (up to $2,000) and Scale (up to $350,000 for AI startups).
  • Includes free access GSuite.

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

  • Up to $150,000 in Azure credits over one year.
  • Includes free access to GitHub Enterprise, Microsoft 365, LinkedIn Premium, and Azure OpenAI Service.
  • Eligibility: Up to Series D funding.

OVHcloud Startup Program

  • Up to €100,000 in OVHcloud credits.
  • Two tiers: "Start" €10,000 and "Scale" up to €100,000.

Alibaba Cloud Startup Program

  • Up to $121,000 in cloud credits across three tiers:
    • Launcher Tier: $1,000 (valid for 3 months).
    • Gold Tier: $20,000 (valid for 6 months).
    • Diamond Tier: $100,000 (valid for 1 year).

TechBoost Program by Telekom

  • Up to €100,000 in OTC cloud credits over 12 months.
  • Access to Open Telekom Cloud services.
  • Eligibility: Registered in Germany.

Scaleway Startup Program

  • Up to €36,000 in cloud credits and 80% reduction for 24 months.
  • Four tiers based on startup stage.

UP by clever cloud

  • Up to $10,000 in cloud credits for 12 months.

Scaleway Startup Program

  • Up to €36,000 in cloud credits and 80% reduction for 24 months.
  • Four tiers based on startup stage.

Others

  • IBM
  • Heroku
  • Vultr

Note: The availability of credits and eligibility criteria may vary. Please check the official program websites for the most up-to-date information.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overcomplicating Solutions: Start simple and scale as needed.
  • Vendor Lock-In: Avoid over-reliance on proprietary services to maintain flexibility.
  • Neglecting Best Practices: Implement security, monitoring, and optimization from the start.
  • Ignoring Cloud Costs: Monitor your spending to avoid surprises when credits expire.
  • Not Preparing for the First Bill: Plan ahead for when your credits run out.

Recommendations

  • Activate Credits Strategically: Use one provider's credits before activating another's.
  • Maintain Vendor Flexibility: Use services that are portable across providers.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with program changes and terms.
  • Focus on Product-Market Fit: Prioritize developing a viable product over perfecting infrastructure (e.g. build monoliths instead of microservices).
  • Optimize After Exploration: Once credits are used, choose the best provider based on experience or use them all through PERIAN.

Introducing PERIAN

At PERIAN, we're building an interconnected multi-cloud landscape to simplify your cloud experience. We offer a unified control plane for multiple cloud providers, so you don't have to worry about infrastructure. Tailored for AI startups, we provide on-demand GPUs and serverless execution with transparent pricing.


Bring Your Own Account: Connect your existing cloud accounts with PERIAN to seamlessly utilize your free cloud credits through our platform. Focus on innovation while we handle the complexities of multi-cloud management.



Why Choose PERIAN?

  • Effortless management across various cloud environments
  • Automation and highest ease of use for your compute needs
  • One account for all your cloud needs
  • Future proof infrastructure for all your needs


Ready to simplify your cloud operations and make the most of your free credits?


Ready to Get Started?

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to unlock all the cloud credits, it's time to take action. Apply to the programs that best fit your startup's needs, and don't forget to manage your resources wisely. With strategic planning and the right tools, like PERIAN, you can accelerate your startup's growth efficiently and effectively.


If you have any questions or comments, please join our Slack Community or reach out at [email protected].