Q: Credit extensions in the Cluster startup program

We offer free credits through the Cluster Program for a 12-month period to help early-stage companies get off the ground quickly. With so many amazing startups now part of the program, we've set up a system to keep things fair and consistent for every participating startup. Because of this, we generally do not offer extensions beyond the initial 12-month period .

Question 1

About Aiven & the Cluster startup program

Accepted Answer

Why did Aiven launch the Cluster startup program?

Startup programs were critical to our early development and success, and their support helped us grow into the Unicorn we are today. As Aiven has now reached a maturity level where we are in a position to give back, we want to support other startups in their journey, helping them to scale up and grow.

What does Aiven do?

In short, Aiven makes setting up cloud databases and the infrastructure needed for them to operate so simple that anyone can do it.

We provide a selection of reliable, open source products – tools like Apache Kafka, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Apache Flink, ClickHouse, OpenSearch, and more – that you can install at the click of a button.

Our platform allows developers and software architects to set up their databases and get familiar tools on all major cloud platforms (like Google, AWS or Azure) in a matter of minutes. It’s simple, secure, and everything is open source, so you keep control of all your data. You can move it between cloud regions and providers, duplicate it, and do whatever you want with it – and you don’t have to jump through hoops to do it.

But while we make it simple to set up your data, it’s what you do with it next that’s where the awesome happens.

Question 2

Eligibility criteria, program application and credit tiers

Accepted Answer

What are the eligibility criteria for startups?

To be eligible to apply to Aiven Cluster startup program, you need:

Proof of affiliation with an approved network partner (VC, accelerator, incubator, or co-working space)*
Maximum startup age: 7 years
Startup funding no greater than Series B
A company website and associated email address

*If you are not affiliated with one of our partners, you can still apply and will qualify for maximum $12,000 in credits. We still require that you provide proof of having fundraised.

The Cluster startup program is only available to innovative technology companies and at the moment is not open to agencies, consulting companies, NGOs or educational institutions.

How many credits can I get?

The credit value depends on which partner you are affiliated with and can be as high as $100,000. If you are not affiliated with a Cluster partner, you can qualify for $12,000. Once you fill out the application form, we will let you know how many credits you are eligible for.

How can we participate if we don’t have investor backing?

If you haven't raised funding yet, you can still apply as long as you are affiliated with one of Cluster's accelerator, incubator or co-working space partners.

Can existing Aiven customers apply to the Cluster startup program?

Yes - as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the application process and timeline?

Applications are accepted and considered continually, with new participants selected each month. Once you apply, please give us 14 days to review your application and, if needed, get back to you with any additional questions.

Newly accepted startups join the program on the first Monday of every month. Joint kick-off calls for new participants are held monthly.

Please note that Aiven reserves the right to change the schedule as necessary.

I am not associated with any of the Cluster program partners. Can I still apply?

No problem. We’ve created a lower credit tier for startups not associated with our partners. You can still apply and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be able to join the program and receive $12,000 in credits.

Please note that you will need to have raised funding in order to qualify for the credits.

I want to join the program but I am not ready to use the credits right away. Should I still apply?

Yes, you should still apply and indicate in the application form that you would like to start using credits later on. We can then discuss the best starting date for you.

Where can I find the full list of network partners affiliated with Aiven Cluster?

Here is a full list of partners associated with Aiven Cluster.

Question 3

Program perks

Accepted Answer

Seriously? Up to $100,000 credits? What can I do with that?

Yes, seriously! You can use the startup program credits over 12 months to purchase the services, cloud data plans, and additional support that you need to build a modern modern data infrastructure.

What you build with our services is entirely up to you.

With 100K of Aiven credits, you could run a beefy PostgreSQL instance with 2TB of storage and half a terabyte of RAM (business-512) for 6 months. Or, you could take a modest Kafka Business-8 package ... and run that with plenty of spare credits left over for something else.

For a more complete package, how about a serious PostgreSQL business-64 service with workhorse OpenSearch business-32 service, a Redis business-64 for caching to keep your apps running nicely, an M3 for all your metrics (business-16 should do nicely) and Grafana to keep an eye on things - and you can run that for a year.

How does Aiven promote startups in the program?

We conduct interviews with the most active startups in the program and promote them through our channels, for example, Linkedin, Twitter, blog posts, etc. See an example here. We also invite startups to speak at our meetups and events, and award notable achievements publicly.

What technical support does Aiven offer & how do I access it?

Aiven operates 24/7/365 monitoring on the Cloud Services and Aiven's personnel will be automatically alerted on any service anomalies. Aiven's personnel will commence work on any issues in system operations requiring manual intervention without delay.

For Cluster program participants, Aiven provides Basic level support without separate charge through email regarding problems related to using and accessing the Aiven Cloud Services. Responses are provided on a best-effort basis during the same or next business day.

You can read more about the support Aiven offers on https://aiven.io/support-services.

To access support, you will need to log a support ticket through the Aiven console.

Question 4

Credit extensions in the Cluster startup program

Accepted Answer

We offer free credits through the Cluster Program for a 12-month period to help early-stage companies get off the ground quickly. With so many amazing startups now part of the program, we've set up a system to keep things fair and consistent for every participating startup.

Because of this, we generally do not offer extensions beyond the initial 12-month period.

Question 5

Investor partnerships with the Cluster startup program

Accepted Answer

For us, investor partners are key collaborators in finding startups where our program can make the highest positive impact. We work together to help these companies scale through strong technical foundations and global potential.

To ensure we're providing high value and strategic benefits, we choose investor partners who align with our mission and goals.

We typically work with institutional investors that:

Focus on early-stage tech/digital startups beyond the Seed round, are less than 7 years old, and have at least one technical C-level or founder.
Have startups in their portfolio that are a great fit to thrive with Aiven, both in terms of their product's maturity and their technical needs.

Think you'd be a great fit as an investor partner for the Cluster Program? Fill out the short form here and we'll get back to you shortly!

Question 6

Partnerships with the Cluster startup program

Accepted Answer

We're dedicated to building a thriving and focused startup ecosystem within the Aiven Cluster Program.

To ensure that every startup joining through our partners receives the best possible experience and tailored support, we carefully select our strategic collaborations. We look for and accept partnerships that bring in startups with strong technical alignment and where our platforms truly complement each other. This thoughtful approach allows us to provide deep engagement and customized support to every startup we welcome.

We focus on fostering partnerships that clearly demonstrate mutual value and a long-term alignment with our program's goals.

Think you'd be a great fit as a partner for the Cluster Program? Fill out the short form here and we'll get back to you shortly!

Question 7

Terms and conditions

Accepted Answer

What are the terms and conditions of the Cluster startup program?

When an applicant submits the application form, the applicant must agree to acknowledge that the use of the Aiven services is subject to Aiven online T&Cs which are to be accepted when signing in to the Aiven console, and that Aiven may always stop giving free credits or cancel any credits given.

The amount of credits awarded to successful applicants is up to $100,000 depending on the use of services.

Aiven reserves the right to cancel credits in order to be able to react in the event participant would breach the online T&Cs or would otherwise use the credits against the purpose of the Cluster program.

What happens if I don’t use all my credits within the year?

Your credits are valid for 12 months, so if you haven’t used them by the end of the program, they will expire.

Can I apply for credits more than once?

No. You can only receive Cluster credits once.

I started out on the lowest credit tier and I am now affiliated with one of the Cluster partners. Can I get more credits?

Yes, you can access the difference between the lowest tier and the amount you are eligible for through affiliation with our partner. We can’t extend the time frame when you can use the credits, but we can grant you the difference. Reach out to us at cluster@aiven.io to discuss the details.

Do I have to continue using Aiven after the Cluster program ends?

We don’t ask you to commit to using Aiven after you run out of credits. However, we think that you are going to like the product and and hope you'll stay with Aiven for the long run.

Scale up your startup

Benefits for selected startups

What Cluster startups say about Aiven

Eligibility Criteria

Cluster partner network

Invest in startups – with Aiven

Cluster FAQ