Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - AWS Impact Accelerator: Being the megaphone (DEI207)

Summary

Howard Wright, the global leader of AWS for Startups, shares his journey and the role of AWS in supporting startups.
AWS invests a billion dollars annually into the startup ecosystem, providing credits, access to specialists, and a supportive environment.
AWS has worked with over 200,000 startups, including well-known companies like Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb.
AWS is committed to inclusivity, with initiatives like startup lofts and the AWS Impact Accelerator, which focus on underrepresented founders.
The AWS Impact Accelerator provides cash, credits, and access to experts, and has graduated startups like Tina Williams-Caroma's SiteDeploy and Kayvon Berenjian's Hubble IQ.
AWS has made a $380+ million commitment to support diversity, including a $53 million earmark for women in climate startups and a $150 million investment in funds supporting underrepresented founders.
The talk concludes with a discussion with Tina and Kayvon about their experiences with the AWS Impact Accelerator and their respective companies.

AWS recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem and is actively investing in initiatives to support underrepresented founders.
The AWS Impact Accelerator is a significant program that not only provides financial support but also lends credibility to startups, helping them gain trust from customers and investors.
The success stories of Tina and Kayvon illustrate the tangible benefits of AWS's support, including the ability to scale, gain credibility, and access to AWS's vast resources and network.
AWS's commitment to startups is not just philanthropic; it is a strategic business decision that recognizes the potential for financial returns and innovation from a diverse range of founders.
The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented founders and the need for continued support and investment to democratize access to funding and resources in the tech industry.