Antler Powering Entrepreneurs with Resources, Mentorship, and Growth from Day One

In the ever-evolving startup landscape, where most venture capital firms wait for polished pitches and mature ideas, Antler.co flips the script by investing in people before the product even exists. Founded in 2017 in Singapore and now operating in over 25 cities across six continents, Antler is not just a venture capital firm—it’s a global startup generator. Its mission is simple but bold: to empower exceptional individuals to become great founders and build impactful companies from the ground up. By identifying high-potential individuals, matching them with complementary co-founders, and guiding them through the process of ideation, validation, and scaling, Antler plays a foundational role in shaping the startups of tomorrow.

Turning Ambition Into Action: Antler's Founder-First Philosophy

Antler believes that the best startups are built by the best people—not necessarily the ones with the most refined ideas, but those with the most drive, grit, and vision. That’s why Antler takes a revolutionary “founder-first” approach. Instead of waiting for established startups to come knocking, they actively search for high-caliber individuals who are passionate, entrepreneurial, and ready to solve meaningful problems—even if they’re starting from scratch. Whether you're a solo founder, a corporate escapee, a technologist, or someone with no co-founder or clear direction yet, Antler sees potential where others don’t. This inclusive, talent-first model not only democratizes entrepreneurship but also opens doors for underrepresented voices in tech and business.

The Antler Residency Program: Where Startups Are Born From Scratch

At the heart of Antler’s offering is its structured Residency Program, which spans around 10 to 12 weeks. This is where individuals come together to explore ideas, form teams, validate business models, and ultimately pitch their ventures to investors. Participants are selected through a competitive application process and join a cohort filled with equally ambitious individuals from various backgrounds—tech, business, design, science, and beyond. During the program, Antler helps these individuals team up, stress-test ideas, and prepare for launch. By the end of the program, selected teams receive pre-seed funding—usually around $100,000 for a 10% equity stake—followed by the chance to present at Antler’s global Demo Day. It’s a full-cycle, idea-to-investment journey packed into a few intense, transformative weeks.

/Going Global, Acting Local: A Borderless Ecosystem for Innovation

What truly sets Antler apart is its globally interconnected yet locally grounded model. While it has a presence in major startup hubs like London, New York, Berlin, Nairobi, Sydney, and Stockholm, it tailors its support and expertise to fit the local market conditions. This means startups can think global but execute local an ideal combination for scalability. Founders also benefit from access to Antler’s vast international network of mentors, investors, domain experts, and alumni who provide ongoing guidance and help accelerate growth. Whether you're in Amsterdam or Jakarta, you’re plugged into a broader ecosystem that can help you scale faster and smarter.

The Science of Building High-Performing Founder Teams

One of the biggest reasons startups fail is co-founder conflict. Antler tackles this challenge with a data-driven, psychological approach to founder matching. During the early days of the program, participants go through assessments to evaluate their personalities, leadership styles, skill sets, and communication preferences. This structured process helps people form teams that are not only complementary in skills but also aligned in values and working styles. It’s a powerful system that reduces friction, improves collaboration, and increases the odds of long-term success. It’s not just about finding someone with a different skillset—it’s about finding the right partner for the long road ahead.

No Idea? No Problem: Antler Helps You Find or Build the Right One

Antler understands that many people have the drive to start a business but struggle with identifying the right problem to solve. That’s why they actively support both idea-stage entrepreneurs and idea-less builders. In some cases, Antler even develops and validates its own research-driven startup ideas, then looks for capable founders to bring them to life. These Antler-originated companies are based on extensive market research, insights from global teams, and emerging trends. If you're an execution powerhouse looking for a venture-ready concept to lead, Antler gives you a head start with solid foundations and expert backing.

Constructive Rejection: Antler's Rare but Valuable Feedback Model

Unlike many competitive programs that simply say “no” and move on, Antler goes a step further by offering detailed feedback to applicants who don’t make the cut. This reflects the firm’s broader commitment to building a stronger global startup ecosystem. Antler recognizes that timing matters, and even rejected candidates might succeed in a later cohort—or at another startup entirely. Their feedback culture helps applicants reflect, refine, and reapply stronger than ever. It’s a rare sign of respect in a space that’s often cold and transactional.

Investing in Impact: Startups That Make a Difference

Antler doesn't just invest in “cool” startups they prioritize ventures that drive real-world impact. Many of the companies backed by Antler align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues like climate change, healthcare access, financial inclusion, and education. By supporting mission-driven founders, Antler creates a ripple effect of innovation that benefits communities, economies, and the planet. This focus on impact, combined with scalable business models, makes Antler a standout in the VC space for those who want to build both wealth and a better world.

Big Wins From the Antler Portfolio

The results speak for themselves. Antler’s portfolio includes successful startups such as Reebelo (circular tech marketplace), Sampingan (gig economy platform), PowerX (home energy analytics), and Xailient (AI for smart cameras). These companies have gone on to raise millions in follow-on funding, enter global markets, and create new categories in their industries. From climate-tech to AI to fintech, Antler’s reach spans across sectors, proving its model works in a wide range of industries.

Who Antler Is Perfect For

Antler is an ideal launchpad for a wide variety of aspiring founders. If you're a corporate professional tired of the 9–5 grind, a technical builder in search of a visionary, or someone with a bold mindset but no co-founder or capital, Antler is built for you. Their system is designed to lower the barriers to entrepreneurship and give more people a shot at building something meaningful. It’s also a great platform for experienced founders who want to start again with better resources, support, and funding.

Why Antler is Not Just Another VC—It’s a Movement

Antler isn’t trying to replicate the traditional venture model. It’s redefining what early-stage support means by taking risks on people before there’s even a product or pitch. By combining hands-on mentorship, early capital, global reach, and a science-backed approach to team building, Antler is turning the startup process into a more inclusive and intelligent journey. If you believe you have what it takes to build something impactful and lasting, Antler.co is one of the few platforms that will believe in you before the rest of the world does.