Amazon Web Services (AWS) has extended its program offering free credits to startups, now covering the expenses associated with utilizing prominent AI models, according to a statement provided to Reuters. This move aims to bolster the market share of its AI platform, Bedrock.
In an effort to attract startup clients, Amazon now permits its cloud credits to be utilized for accessing models from various providers, including Anthropic, Meta, Mistral AI, and Cohere.
Howard Wright, vice president and global head of startups at AWS, stated, “This is another contribution we’re providing to the startup community, with the hope that startups will continue to select AWS as their primary platform.”
This expansion follows Amazon’s recent investment of US$4 billion ($6.1 billion) in Anthropic through convertible notes. As part of this agreement, Anthropic will utilize AWS as its main cloud provider, utilizing Trainium and Inferentia chips for model development and training.
Wright emphasized that Amazon’s free credits will support the revenue generation of Anthropic, a highly sought-after model within Bedrock, highlighting the company’s commitment to ecosystem development.
Amazon disclosed that it has granted over US$6 billion in credits to startups over the past decade. In collaboration with Y Combinator, it’s offering US$500,000 in credits for the latest cohort launched in January, applicable for AI model usage and Amazon’s chips.
The costs associated with AI usage, depending on usage levels, can be significant for startups. AWS aims to provide startups with a range of options and security assurances.
Notably, other major cloud providers also offer free credits to attract AI startups. Microsoft Azure provides credits usable for OpenAI’s models, while Google Cloud credits can be utilized for over 130 models on Vertex AI.
However, the investments made by big tech companies in AI startups have attracted regulatory scrutiny. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an inquiry into Microsoft’s support of OpenAI, as well as the investments made by Google and Amazon in Anthropic.
