The launchpad your startup needs to grow

base261 helps early-stage startups access cloud credits, technical resources, and the tools you need to build, launch, and scale.

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Free to join. No credit card required.

WHAT WE OFFER

Everything to get your startup off the ground

We connect founders with the resources that matter most in the early days.

Flagship

Cloud Credits

We help startups apply for up to $10,000 in AWS Activate credits and guide you through the entire process.

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Technical Guidance

Architecture reviews, cloud infrastructure planning, and best practices to help you build on a solid foundation.

Coming soon

Founder Community

Connect with other early-stage founders, share learnings, and find collaborators building on AWS.

Coming soon

HOW IT WORKS

Get cloud credits in three steps

1

Join base261

Create a free account in 30 seconds. No credit card, no commitment.

2

We handle the application

Tell us about your startup. We draft and submit your AWS Activate application through our provider channel.

3

Credits land in your account

AWS approves your application (most within 5-10 business days) and credits appear on your billing console.

AWS ACTIVATE TIERS

How much can you get?

We guide you through the AWS Activate application process and help you maximize your credit allocation.

Activate Founders

$1,000

in AWS credits

For self-funded startups exploring AWS for the first time. No provider affiliation required.

Recommended

Activate Portfolio

Up to $10,000

in AWS credits

For startups affiliated with an Activate Provider. We help you find the right path to higher credits.

All credits are issued directly by AWS through the official Activate program. You keep full ownership of your AWS account.

Why base261?

AWS Activate expertise

We know the Activate program inside and out, and help you put together the strongest possible application.

Your account, your credits

We never ask for admin access. Credits go directly to your AWS account. You retain full ownership and control.

Zero risk, aligned incentives

We only get paid when you get credits. If your application isn't approved, you owe nothing.

More than just credits

Cloud credits are just the start. We're building a full suite of resources to help startups launch and scale.

FAQ

Common questions

What is base261?
base261 is a startup launchpad that helps early-stage companies access cloud credits, technical resources, and founder community. Our flagship service helps startups apply for AWS Activate credits to offset cloud infrastructure costs.
What is AWS Activate?
AWS Activate is an official program by Amazon that gives startups free credits to use across 200+ AWS services, including EC2, S3, Lambda, and RDS. The credits are applied directly to your AWS bill.
How much can I get?
AWS Activate has two tiers. Activate Founders gives self-funded startups $1,000 in credits. Activate Portfolio, which requires affiliation with a provider, offers up to $10,000. We help you figure out which tier fits and put together the best application.
What does the process look like?
After you join base261, you tell us a bit about your startup and your AWS usage. We help draft your application, review it for completeness, and guide you through submission. AWS typically reviews and approves applications within 5-10 business days.
Will I keep full ownership of my AWS account?
Yes. We never ask for admin access or root credentials. The credits are applied directly to your existing AWS account. You retain full ownership and control at all times.
What does this cost?
Nothing upfront. For cloud credits, we charge 25% of the credit amount you receive, only after your credits are approved and loaded. For example, if you get $10,000 in credits, our fee is $2,500. If we can't help you get approved, you pay nothing.
Am I eligible?
Most early-stage startups qualify for AWS Activate. You need to be pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, have an active website or company profile, and have an AWS account on a paid tier plan. You also can't have previously received Activate credits at the same tier.
What other services does base261 offer?
Cloud credits are our flagship, and we're actively building out additional services including technical guidance (architecture reviews, infrastructure planning) and a founder community. Join now to get early access as we launch new offerings.

Ready to launch?

Join base261 and get access to cloud credits, technical resources, and a community of founders building on AWS.

Join base261 Free

No credit card required. Free to join and apply for credits.