Free Cloud Credits for AI Startups (No Investors Needed)

Simple Plan to Get $100K+ in Cloud Credits

If you’re building an AI product and don’t have investors yet, you can still get $100K+ worth of cloud services like AWS, GCP, and Azure. Here’s the step-by-step path I followed — it actually worked for me.


:compass: One-Line Shortcut

Start with NVIDIA Inception ➜ Get AWS Credits ➜ Apply to Azure & GCP ➜ Build Demo ➜ Unlock More ➜ Use It Fast ➜ Reach $150K+ Credits


:rocket: Step-by-Step: What to Do

:white_check_mark: Step 1: Join NVIDIA Inception – Get $10,000 AWS Credits

  • Make a simple business website with your domain and product idea.
  • Sign up for NVIDIA Inception.
  • Once accepted, apply to AWS Activate.
  • This gives you $10,000 worth of AWS cloud usage.

Tip: Make sure to say you need GPU power for AI projects.

:white_check_mark: Step 2: Small Boost from Azure & GCP – $5,000 + $2,000

  • Azure: Sign up at Founders Hub. Do small tasks to unlock $5,000.
  • GCP: You may need to talk to someone from Google. Tell them your idea clearly. You can get $2,000.

:white_check_mark: Step 3: Bigger Packages – $25,000 from Both Azure and GCP

  • To qualify, you must:

    • Have used up earlier credits
    • Have a registered company
    • Show a working demo of your product
  • GCP: Only available in some regions. If possible, get a referral. Say your monthly usage will be over $3,000.

  • Azure: Same “unlocking steps” method. The speed you used the earlier $5k and your demo video are key.

:white_check_mark: Step 4: Go Big with Azure – $150,000

  • Still unlocked through the Founders Hub platform.
  • No interviews or emails needed.
  • We got it after sharing a public demo with 100+ likes.
  • Most important tip: Don’t hold back — use credits fast.

:warning: Things to Keep in Mind

  • AWS won’t give you more than $10k unless you have investors.
  • You must register your business to get higher credit amounts.
  • Don’t save credits thinking they’ll last — spend them boldly to unlock more.

:wrapped_gift: Bonus Options for More Credits

Platform/Service Free Credits Notes
FounderPass $5,000 AWS Subtract any AWS credits you already got. Cost: $100 to join.
Latam AI Benchmark $100,000 Just fill out a short survey.
Disobey Tools Extra offers Great if you’re already funded.
Mercury Bank + Hatch $25,000 on DigitalOcean Mentioned as a working offer by other founders.

:hammer_and_wrench: What You’ll Need to Start

What You Need Why
A domain name Shows you’re serious
A simple website Helps explain your idea
A business email Looks professional
Product demo video Needed for higher credit levels
Official company registration Required to unlock bigger offers
Spend your free credits fast Proves you’re growing

:pushpin: TL;DR

Start with NVIDIA ➜ Get $10k AWS ➜ Unlock $5k (Azure) and $2k (GCP) ➜ Build a demo ➜ Then unlock $25k from each ➜ Use that to jump to $150k (Azure). You don’t need investors — just a plan and momentum.

You don’t need money to start — just smart moves and bold action.

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