Backblaze, Inc., a high-performance cloud storage platform, has unveiled the Backblaze Flamethrower Startup Program, targeting early-stage companies working in data-intensive sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), media, gaming, and software-as-a-service (SaaS). The program, announced today, aims to help startups scale efficiently while avoiding common infrastructure hurdles like unpredictable costs and operational complexity.

A Founder-Centric Approach to Cloud Storage

The Flamethrower program is designed specifically for startup founders and small teams, offering reliable cloud object storage, predictable pricing, and expert support to enable seamless growth. Unlike traditional startup programs, Flamethrower avoids short-term credits, surprise fees, and automated onboarding processes. Instead, it emphasizes simplicity and human engagement, ensuring that startups can focus on their core business operations.

"Too often, startups move fast early on, only to discover later that their infrastructure decisions have quietly become expensive, sticky, and difficult to unwind", said James Leaverton, Director of Startups & Developer Relations at Backblaze. "Flamethrower exists to meet teams before that moment, giving them storage that just works, predictable pricing they can work with in the long term, and direct access to people who’ve been through this before."

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Designed for Real-World Workloads

The program is tailored to support a variety of startup workloads, including AI/ML training data, media assets, fast-growing SaaS platforms, and essential functions like backup, archiving, and disaster recovery. Startups that qualify for the Flamethrower program receive cloud storage credits for Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage. Additionally, participants gain access to Backblaze experts with hands-on experience in startup architectures and production environments.

"Founders don’t fail because they chose the wrong storage provider – they fail because everything else is already hard enough", Leaverton added. "Our goal is to make data storage the least interesting and most enabling part of their stack."

A Time-Respectful Framework

A unique feature of the Flamethrower program is its respect for the time constraints of startup founders. The program eliminates mandatory demos and high-pressure sales tactics, allowing teams to engage with Backblaze at their own pace. Applications for the program are reviewed by real people, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a personalized and founder-first approach.

With its focus on predictable cloud storage solutions, meaningful credits, and hands-on support, the Backblaze Flamethrower program aims to address the unique challenges of building and scaling data-driven startups in the AI era.

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