(BPT) - In the business world, talent and tenacity are often described as the ultimate equalizers. But for many startup founders — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — the reality is more complicated. Access to capital remains uneven. Networks that open doors to advisors, investors and early customers are often closed circles. These structural challenges can stall progress before it even begins.
Despite these headwinds, founders from these communities are launching some of the most resilient, creative ventures in technology today. What's needed isn't just grit — it's access, context-specific support and a clear path to scale.
Now underrepresented founders have a new opportunity that can help supercharge their success.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), in partnership with Techstars, a pre-seed investor backing startups building a better future for everyone, recognizes the importance of helping founders create transformative solutions, and as part of this commitment, they've recently launched a global initiative designed to support underrepresented founders around the globe.
Enter the AWS Impact Bootcamps
If you're an underrepresented founder building something bold, AWS Impact Bootcamps are for you. Over two days, you'll get deep technical training with real tools, expert business advice from people who've done it before and direct access to mentors, investors and support that actually matters.
For many early-stage founders, the distance between a great idea and a fundable startup isn't talent — it's translation. Turning a product into a business means understanding how to pitch, how to price and how to map a go-to-market strategy. But, for founders who don't have access to seasoned advisors, this translation gap can stall momentum.
This is where initiatives like the AWS Impact Bootcamps come in. By designing a curriculum specifically around the most acute challenges underrepresented founders face, the bootcamps aim to equip participants with tools that often take years to acquire.
Scaling access, one city at a time
Each bootcamp accommodates up to 50 founders per city, delivering focused training on critical business themes like sales, GTM (go-to-market) or fundraising. The AWS Impact Bootcamps program will launch in six cities across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific:
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Sept. 8-9)
- New York, New York, United States (Sept. 15-16)
- Mexico City, Mexico (Oct. 1-2, 2025)
- London, United Kingdom (Oct. 16-17, 2025)
- Tokyo, Japan (TBD early 2026)
- Berlin, Germany (TBD early 2026)
Each bootcamp will deliver an intensive two-day experience, equipping early-stage, underrepresented founders with deep technical training with real tools, expert business advice and access to mentors, investors and community, in addition to $5,000 in AWS promotional credits to get building on the world's leading cloud. Workshops will be managed locally by the program partner, Techstars.
Join the next generation of founders
To apply, founding teams must identify as a member of an underrepresented community (Black, Women, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and founders with disabilities), or demonstrate work, activities or engagement that otherwise supports such communities. Applicants must also demonstrate clear cloud technology needs and have secured pre-seed or angel funding up to $2 million. Additionally, they should be operating with a publicly launched product, be under 5 years old and commit to the full two-day program.
