[Skip to content](https://www.hubspot.com#main-content) [](https://www.hubspot.com/startups) - [Resources](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Fundraising](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/fundraising) - [Sales & Marketing](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/sales-and-marketing) - [AI Tech & Tips](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/ai) - [Tech Stack Guide](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/tech-stacks) - [Founder & VC Insights](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/scaling-smarter) - [Podcast](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/podcast) - [Stories](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/stories) Show submenu for Stories - [Digital Magazine](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/magazine) - [DocuSeries](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/docuseries) - [Case Studies](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/stories/customers) - [Community](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/community) - [Partner](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/partners) - [Apply Now](https://app.hubspot.com/signup-hubspot/hubspot-for-startups) - [Resources](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Fundraising](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/fundraising) - [Sales & Marketing](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/sales-and-marketing) - [AI Tech & Tips](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/ai) - [Tech Stack Guide](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/tech-stacks) - [Founder & VC Insights](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/scaling-smarter) - [Podcast](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/podcast) - [Stories](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/stories) Show submenu for Stories - [Digital Magazine](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/magazine) - [DocuSeries](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/docuseries) - [Case Studies](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/stories/customers) - [Community](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/community) - [Partner](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/partners) - [Apply Now](https://app.hubspot.com/signup-hubspot/hubspot-for-startups) # What is AWS and Why is it Good for Startups? Discover the inner workings of Amazon Web Services' cutting-edge cloud solutions [Web Dev & Hosting Tech Stacks on Tech Stack Guide](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/tech-stacks/webdev-hosting)  ## Table of Contents - [Intro](https://www.hubspot.com#intro) - [How it works](https://www.hubspot.com#how-it-works) - [Why it's popular](https://www.hubspot.com#why-its-popular) - [Why Web-based companies use it](https://www.hubspot.com#web-based-companies) - [Conclusion](https://www.hubspot.com#conclusion) - [Special offer](https://www.hubspot.com#offer) [](https://www.hubspot.com) ## Introduction When a startup is in its initial stages of business, selecting and employing the right tools and resources is imperative. Running a successful company is a challenging undertaking, and even more so in today’s economic climate. That’s where [AWS Startups](http://startups.aws/) come into play.   AWS is the world’s most broadly adopted cloud that provides businesses with a comprehensive catalog of scalable and cost-effective cloud computing solutions. Among the many services offered are computing power, database storage, virtual servers, and content delivery. A leader in cloud computing, AWS was one of the first companies to introduce a pay-as-you-go model providing users with scalable and customizable tools. AWS’s cost is modified based on the customer’s usage—making the platform very appealing to start-ups and small businesses on a budget. In this blog, we’ll share how AWS cloud computing services work and why it’s particularly popular with startups and web-based tech companies. [](https://www.hubspot.com)   ## How AWS works AWS is widely revered as one of the top cloud services used among companies of all sizes around the world—offering cloud capability through the use of global data centers established in key locations. Companies use AWS to experiment, lower costs, and increase efficiency virtually without having to manage physical hardware.  The [AWS portfolio](https://aws.amazon.com/servicecatalog/features/) is comprised of more than 200 services, which can be configured based on the user’s needs. The service catalog features products such as servers, storage, networking, remote computing, email, mobile development, and security. [](https://www.hubspot.com)   ## Why AWS is popular with startups When first taking off, startups often have a financial disadvantage over larger, more established companies. AWS helps make the journey more manageable for startups with their hassle-free services that are easy on the budget. On top of that, the AWS Startups program is particularly suited to help under represented founders find capital and community. Those were some of the driving factors that led Glou to join the program (see video below).    On top of all that, about 80% of the world’s unicorns (privately held startups valued at more than $1 billion) listed by [PitchBook](https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/unicorn-startups-list-trends) run on AWS, and here are some of the key reasons why: ### Cost-effective AWS’s pay-as-you-go model gives founders time to build their businesses and allows for active growth. The cost-optimization resources are aimed at startups—saving new businesses up to 40%, making it easier to budget. Watch our [cost-optimization series videos](https://aws.amazon.com/startups/cost-management/) to learn how to maximize your AWS spending. Building an IT framework can be costly, and AWS offers a [Free Tier](https://aws.amazon.com/free) so that businesses can get an idea of how much they are going to need before making a financial commitment.  ### Flexible Having a flexible IT framework is important for startup growth. AWS offers the flexibility needed to build systems that meet the individual requirements of each customer. They allow users to pay only for what they consume, without having to lock in a long-term contract, thus greatly reducing the risk of overspending. AWS also enables you to select which operating system, programming language, web application, database, and additional services you need. You’ll receive a virtual environment allowing you to load the specific software and services required for your application. ### Scalable AWS also offers on-demand scaling. In just 10 minutes, you can set up the infrastructure with the resources you need—without having to worry about the system crashing.  They use what’s called [AWS Application Auto Scaling](https://aws.amazon.com/autoscaling/), a tool that continually monitors your applications to ensure they are operating at optimum performance levels. When demand increases, AWS Auto Scaling also increases the capacity of its resources to maintain the highest quality of service. ### Secure With the influx of hackers stealing information, security has never been more important. AWS is known for its high-security standards and uses multiple encryption layers—allowing users to set up access controls. AWS supports 143 security standards and [compliance certifications](https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/), including: PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITECH, FedRAMP, GDPR, FIPS 140-2, and NIST 800-171.  When strong security is at the core of an organization, it equips them for digital transformation and innovation. AWS was built to be the most secure global cloud infrastructure to create, migrate, and manage applications. Its backed by 300+ cloud security tools and millions of customers including government, healthcare, and financial services.  AWS’s security features are attractive to startups because they allow your business to take a more proactive approach to safeguarding their data. A [study](https://pages.awscloud.com/rs/112-TZM-766/images/the-value-of-improved-availability-security-and-performance.pdf) conducted by Nucleus Research found that moving from on-premises storage to AWS cloud reduced yearly security events by 43%. ### Reliable AWS provides greater security than a company that hosts its storage, and its dozens of global data centers are strictly maintained and continuously monitored. Startups can have greater peace of mind knowing that their data is safely housed within a reliable cloud server. Cloud infrastructure is generally known for making faster transitions, and AWS was built with cloud continuity in mind. [AWS CodeDeploy](https://aws.amazon.com/codedeploy/) easily automizes customized software deployment processes such as rolling out new features and updating applications—eliminating downtime. ### Best options for startups Some of the best options for startups offered by AWS include the ability to: - Select specific a la carte resources - Customize your cloud solution - Use databases to build data-driven applications [](https://www.hubspot.com)   ## Why web-based tech companies use AWS Web-based tech companies greatly benefit from using AWS’s comprehensive service suite, because it's designed to help startups build and maintain tech solutions.  AWS’s suite includes computing, database, and content delivery tools designed to help startups host their web platforms, reach their target audience, and communicate securely with clients. For web-based tech companies, there are many advantages to using AWS:   - Improves system reliability - Optimizes testing efforts - Streamlines server management - Automates tasks - Speeds up release cycles - Builds confidence in product quality ### Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) on AWS The AWS Cloud is also attractive to SaaS organizations because SaaS models rely on a similar flexible and agile approach to business. Whether building, launching, or scaling SaaS, organizations of all sizes can use AWS to increase agility, lower operating costs, and advance innovation in the cloud. AWS offers a broad range of tools for companies at any stage of the SaaS journey through the [AWS SaaS Factory Program](https://aws.amazon.com/partners/programs/saas-factory/). SaaS organizations can also greatly benefit from AWS’s pay-as-you-go pricing model and being able to manage all of their software solutions in one place. [](https://www.hubspot.com)   ## Conclusion AWS offers countless tools and resources specifically designed for startups—making for a more seamless journey to building a business. Startup owners can address any questions or concerns 24/7 via AWS’s Support service.  One of the main reasons that startups choose AWS is to get help developing the IT infrastructure they need to become successful. It’s easy to use, which allows companies to focus less on technology and more on building their business cost-effectively. Additionally, AWS offers more services and features than any other cloud provider and continues to be an ideal choice for startups looking to build without breaking the bank.  Even HubSpot’s platform is built on AWS and supports the expansion of the [HubSpot for Startups program](https://www.hubspot.com/startups).   Ready to get started with AWS? Get $5,000 in AWS Activate Credit valid for 2 years, 1 year of AWS Business Support (up to $1,500), and 80 credits for self-paced labs [HERE](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/customers/dashboard/offers/aws). ## Special Offer ## AWS Offer for HubSpot for Startups We have partnered with AWS Activate to bring a special offer exclusive to HubSpot for Startups customers: AWS credits, support, and more. __This exclusive offer from AWS Activate includes:__ $5,000 in AWS Activate Credit (valid for 2 years ) One year of AWS Business Support (up to $1,500) 80 credits for self-paced labs [Get the offer for AWS for HubSpot for Startups](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/customers/dashboard/offers/aws) Back Close ## Popular Features - [All Products and Features](https://www.hubspot.com/products) All Products and Features - [HubSpot AEO](https://www.hubspot.com/products/aeo) HubSpot AEO - [Free Meeting Scheduler App](https://www.hubspot.com/products/sales/schedule-meeting) Free Meeting Scheduler App - [Breeze AI Tools](https://www.hubspot.com/products/artificial-intelligence) Breeze AI Tools - [Email Tracking Software](https://www.hubspot.com/products/sales/email-tracking) Email Tracking Software - [AI Content Writer](https://www.hubspot.com/products/cms/ai-content-writer) AI Content Writer - [AI Website Generator](https://www.hubspot.com/products/cms/ai-website-generator) AI Website Generator - [Email Marketing Software](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/email) Email Marketing Software - [Lead Management Software](https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm/lead-management) Lead Management Software - [AI Prospecting Agent](https://www.hubspot.com/products/sales/ai-prospecting-agent) AI Prospecting Agent - [Free Website Builder](https://www.hubspot.com/products/cms/drag-and-drop-website-builder) Free Website Builder - [Landing Pages](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/landing-pages) Landing Pages - [Free Online Form Builder](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/forms) Free Online Form Builder - [Free Chatbot Builder](https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm/chatbot-builder) Free Chatbot Builder - [Free Live Chat Software](https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm/live-chat) Free Live Chat Software - [Marketing Analytics](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/analytics) Marketing Analytics - [Free Landing Page Builder](https://www.hubspot.com/products/marketing/landing-pages) Free Landing Page Builder - [Free Web Hosting](https://www.hubspot.com/products/cms/web-hosting) Free Web Hosting ## Free Tools - [See All Free Business Tools](https://www.hubspot.com/free-business-tools) See All Free Business Tools - [AEO Grader](https://www.hubspot.com/aeo-grader) AEO Grader - [AI Search Sensor](https://www.hubspot.com/aeo-sensor) AI Search Sensor - [Make My Persona](https://www.hubspot.com/make-my-persona) Make My Persona - [Email Signature Generator](https://www.hubspot.com/email-signature-generator) Email Signature Generator - [Free Business Templates](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates) Free Business Templates - [Software Comparisons Library](https://www.hubspot.com/comparisons) Software Comparisons Library - [Website Templates](https://ecosystem.hubspot.com/marketplace/website) Website Templates ## Company - [About Us](https://www.hubspot.com/our-story) About Us - [Careers](https://www.hubspot.com/careers) Careers - [Management Team](https://www.hubspot.com/company/management) Management Team - [Board of Directors](https://www.hubspot.com/company/board-of-directors) Board of Directors - [Investor Relations](https://ir.hubspot.com/) Investor Relations - [Blog](https://blog.hubspot.com/) Blog - [Sustainability](https://www.hubspot.com/sustainability) Sustainability - [Contact Us](https://www.hubspot.com/company/contact) Contact Us ## Customers - [Customer Support](https://help.hubspot.com/) Customer Support - [Join a Local User Group](https://www.hubspot.com/hubspot-user-groups) Join a Local User Group ## Partners - [All Partner Programs](https://www.hubspot.com/partners) All Partner Programs - [Solutions Partner Program](https://www.hubspot.com/partners/solutions) Solutions Partner Program - [Technology Partner Program](https://www.hubspot.com/partners/app) Technology Partner Program - [HubSpot for Startups](https://www.hubspot.com/startups/partners) HubSpot for Startups - [Affiliate Program](https://www.hubspot.com/partners/affiliates) Affiliate Program - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hubspot) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hubspot/) - [Youtube](https://youtube.com/user/HubSpot) - [Twitter](https://x.com/HubSpot) - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubspot) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/hubspot) - [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hubspot) [](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hubspot/id1107711722) [](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details) [](https://www.hubspot.com/) Copyright © 2026 HubSpot, Inc. - [Legal Center](https://legal.hubspot.com/legal-center) - [Privacy Policy](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy) - [Security](https://legal.hubspot.com/security) - [Website Accessibility](https://legal.hubspot.com/website-accessibility) - [Manage Cookies](https://www.hubspot.com)