Jason Bennett initially worked with startups seeking to access AWS cloud technology when he joined the company in 2010.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the ecommerce company’s cloud computing subsidiary, has made Jason Bennett, a 15-year AWS veteran, vice president of worldwide startups and venture capital.
Bennett was most recently vice president of US enterprise and private equity at AWS, where he led teams responsible for building business solutions for large enterprises. “His proven track record in scaling businesses and developing talent aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities for the global startup segment,” said Greg Pearson, vice president of AWS global sales, in an internal memo.
Rather than take minority equity stakes in startups as in traditional corporate venturing, AWS provides credits to startups that build on its cloud computing platform. Startups can receive up to $100,000 in credits to offset infrastructure and data services costs. Founders on its platform can co-build, co-market and co-sell their products with AWS.
“Our startup business continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we’re seeing tremendous momentum as more startups choose AWS to power their innovation,” Pearson said in the internal memo announcing Bennett’s new role.
Additionally, Matt Thomson, who established and led AWS’s worldwide specialist organisation for startups, an initiative that connects startups with AWS product teams, will take on the role of director of EMEA startups, based in London.
