This AWS-first framework guides startups in build vs. buy decisions for data and AI platforms by evaluating TCO, time to value, vendor lock-in, scalability, security, compliance, AWS services, funding, AI readiness, governance, and FinOps.

This guide advises AWS startups to prioritize AI use cases with high revenue potential and low risk, balance costs and security, leverage AWS tools like SageMaker, and align AI efforts with market strategies for scalable growth.