Aiven
Aiven for Startups
$12,000 to $100,000 in Aiven credits for 12 months for VC- or partner-backed startups up to Series B, founded within 7 years.
Ways to get it
Apply directly
$12,000 to $100,000 in credits by tier
- External VC funding, pre-seed up to Series B
- Founded no more than 7 years ago
- Company website and business email
Aiven accepts VC-funded startups up to Series B even if the investor is not an Aiven partner.
Open program pageVia Aiven for Startups partner network (e.g. Techstars, Atomico, Point Nine)
Via VC or accelerator partner
Partner affiliation can unlock a higher tier, up to $100,000
- Affiliation with an Aiven partner VC, accelerator, incubator or co-working space
- Founded no more than 7 years ago
Unfunded startups can apply through a partner accelerator, incubator or co-working space.
Open program page
Eligibility
Requirements
- Proof of affiliation with a VC investor and/or an Aiven ecosystem partner
- Founded no more than 7 years ago
- External funding up to Series B, or affiliation with a partner accelerator, incubator or co-working space if unfunded
- Company website and business email
Not eligible
- Agencies, consulting companies, NGOs and educational institutions
- Startups that have already received Aiven startup credits
- Companies funded beyond Series B
How to apply
- 1
Check eligibility: founded within the last 7 years, funded up to Series B (or affiliated with a partner accelerator, incubator or co-working space), and a business email.
- 2
Apply through the form on aiven.io/startups. If you want to start using the credits later, say so and Aiven can adjust the start date.
- 3
Allow about 14 days for review. New participants are selected each month.
- 4
When accepted, you're told your credit amount. Then book the required kickoff session to start.
Gotchas
- One time only: you can't receive startup credits twice, and unused credits expire after 12 months.
- $100,000 is the top tier. The amount depends on stage and funding and is only revealed on acceptance.
- Agencies, consultancies, NGOs and educational institutions are excluded.
- Extensions are possible but not guaranteed, and need strong evidence of growth.
- Existing customers are decided case by case. Those with monthly invoices under $400 can be accepted.
About the Aiven program
Aiven for Startups gives credits for Aiven's managed open-source data services, such as PostgreSQL, Apache Kafka, MySQL, ClickHouse and OpenSearch, on AWS, Google Cloud or Azure. Credits range from $12,000 up to $100,000 and are valid for 12 months. Aiven sets your tier from your stage of growth and funding and tells you the amount when you're accepted. The program also includes office hours and 1:1 mentoring, a startup Slack community, promotion on Aiven's channels, and startup events. Some perks unlock in levels as you use Aiven more.
To be eligible, you need proof of affiliation with a VC investor and/or one of Aiven's ecosystem partners. You must have been founded no more than 7 years ago, have raised external funding (up to Series B), and apply with a company website and business email. Startups without investors can still apply through an accelerator, incubator or co-working space in Aiven's partner network, listed at aiven.io/aiven-for-startups-partners (Techstars, Atomico, Northzone, Point Nine, Lakestar and others). Agencies, consulting companies, NGOs and educational institutions are not eligible. Aiven encourages you to apply even if you don't meet every criterion.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so allow 14 days. Accepted startups book a required kickoff session. You can only get startup credits once, and they expire after 12 months. Extensions can be requested but are not guaranteed. If you start on the lowest tier and later join a partner, Aiven can grant the difference but not extra time. Existing customers are assessed case by case, and current paying customers with monthly invoices under $400 can be accepted.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Aiven give startups?
Between $12,000 and $100,000 in Aiven credits valid for 12 months, depending on your credit tier, which Aiven sets from your stage of growth and funding.
Can I apply to Aiven for Startups without VC funding?
Yes, if you're affiliated with one of the accelerators, incubators or co-working spaces in Aiven's partner network.
My investor isn't an Aiven partner. Can I still apply?
Yes. Aiven accepts startups that have raised VC funding up to Series B even without a partner affiliation.
What happens to unused Aiven startup credits?
They expire at the end of the 12-month period. You can request an extension, but it isn't guaranteed and needs strong growth indicators.
