Antler’s Unicorn Factory (Yes, Lovable Too)

I spent a big shunk of my life running startup programs, that’s when I began following Antler a while ago. At first, it was the mix of accelerator + VC that caught my attention. They don’t just run a standard accelerator, they invest actively in founders at the earliest stages.
But what really stood out to me was the global focus. Antler runs programs in more than 27 cities on six continents (honestly, don’t know any program as global), and the quality of its network, partners, and portfolio is impressive in scale and reach.

This isn’t a one-hub, one-event accelerator. It’s a founder ecosystem designed to help people go from idea (or even no idea) to building scalable companies, and with capital on the table early.

What Antler Actually Is

Antler is a global early-stage VC and founder program that backs exceptional founders from day zero. Even before they have a team, idea, or product.
Think of it as a hybrid between a startup studio, accelerator, and venture fund😀 

• They help founders find co-founders and form teams.

• They guide you through idea validation, customer discovery, and building an MVP.

• They connect you to investors, advisors, and operators worldwide.

• They invest in the most promising teams early.

This model flips the usual startup funnel. Instead of backing only formed startups with traction, Antler backs people first, and helps create companies around them.

How It Works: The Residency

The core of Antler’s builder process is the Residency, an intense, in-person program designed to compress months of learning into weeks.

Expect something like this:
Ideate: Build clarity on what you want to solve with market tests and expert feedback.
Attract: Meet other founders and find your co-founder if you don’t have one already.
Build: Rapid prototype, customer test, iterate, refine with coaching and global network support.
Pitch: Present to Antler’s investment committee for funding and continued backing.

Residencies vary in length (typically 6–10 weeks, depending on region) and are full-time commitments.

Funding and Investment Terms

Antler’s investment terms aren’t identical everywhere; they tend to reflect local market conditions. Here’s how it looks in practice:

United States
• ~$200,000 for ~8% equity upfront
• Up to $300,000 follow-on capital reserved to help you scale.

United Kingdom
• ~£210,000 at inception (combining direct investment and convertible), with follow-on commitment built in.

Norway (and similar markets)
• ~€500,000 at day zero, plus continued support up to later rounds.

Tokyo / Japan
• Funding available (~64M JPY) for teams that successfully pass investment committee at the end of the residency.

These deals are structured to help founders get real capital early while also having a firm long-term partner.

IMPORTANT: these numbers can vary, so try do your own research before applying

Where Antler Operates. A Truly Global Footprint

Antler’s strength is in its global presence, not just a handful of coastal tech centers but a real reach across regions.

Here are some examples of cities and regions where Antler runs residencies:

Americas
• New York City
• San Francisco
• Austin
• Toronto
• Lagos (expanding presence)

Europe
• London
• Berlin
• Amsterdam
• Stockholm
• Oslo
• Helsinki
…plus more in the Nordics and central Europe.

Asia & APAC
• Singapore
• Bangalore
• Seoul
• Tokyo
• Ho Chi Minh City (and more)

Africa & Middle East
• Nairobi
• Lagos
• Other emerging hubs aimed at broader inclusion.

This means founders can plug into Antler’s system from very different markets without necessarily going straight to Silicon Valley.

What Founders Say

Antler is about putting money behind founders so they can build faster. Supporting voices in the ecosystem see Antler as a talent magnet bringing technologists, operators, and product builders together in ways traditional accelerators don’t.

Application Timeline & What to Do Next

Residency programs run on schedules that differ by city, and many operate multiple cohorts per year.

Examples from Antler’s upcoming listings:
• India, Australia, Singapore: Feb 2026 start
• Europe (Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Nordics): March 2026
• US (NYC, Austin, SF): March 2026
• Africa & Toronto: March 2026

Tip: Most applications involve a form, and then a mix of interviews and profile evaluations (skills, track record, founder potential). Focus on your story, why you’re building, and how you work with others, not just your idea.

Who This Is For

Antler is ideal if:
• You want capital early, not after months of networking.
• You want a co-founder match and a supportive peer group.
• You want access to a global VC network from day zero.

Want help deciding if Antler is right for your situation?

—
Sebastián Vidal
Founder, Off the Radar