Amazon will soon be a big part of the space economy in the form of its Kuiper satellite internet constellation, but here on Earth its ambitions are more mundane: to get an accelerator going. They teamed up with space-focused VC outfit Seraphim Capital to create a four-week program with (among other things) an AWS credit of $ 100,000 for a carrot.
Applications for the AWS Space Accelerator are now open. The only requirement is that you target the space sector and plan to use AWS at some point. Ten applicants are accepted; You have until April 21st to apply.
The program sounds pretty straightforward: a “technical, business, and mental” deal where you’ll likely learn how to use AWS properly, get some great tips from the AWS Partner Network and other space-focused technology, regulatory, and security experts. Then rub shoulders with some VCs to talk about the round you are putting together. (Seraphim’s team is undoubtedly getting their first dibs, but there doesn’t seem to be a strict equity agreement in place.)
“Select startups may receive up to $ 100,000 in AWS Activate credits,” said the announcement, which, while protecting itself somewhat, has likely led them to do so legally.
There are a good number of space-focused programs out there, but not nearly enough to meet the need – there are plenty of space startups out there! And they often face the particular challenge of being highly technical, having customers in the public sector, and taking a fair amount of money to get started compared to the average company’s SaaS.
Once the first cohort is announced, we will learn more about the program, probably not for at least a month or two.