Antler Accelerator
Pre-seed / day-zero investor for first-time founders — find a co-founder and build a company from scratch in one of 30+ global locations.
Quick answer
Antler offers eligible startups up to Varies in funding and resources, in exchange for equity. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – seed).
Available programs
Stipend + up to ~$125K check
Antler Residency
6–10 week residency (length varies by location). Antler pairs founders, helps validate ideas, then invests at pre-seed on graduation.
- Stipend during residency
- Up to ~$125K pre-seed check on graduation (terms vary)
- Co-founder matching
- 30+ global office locations
- Investor network and follow-on
Best for
Do you qualify for Antler?
You likely qualify if
- You are ready to commit full-time to the 5-8 week residency
- You bring strong founder DNA (technical, operating, or domain depth) with or without an idea
- You can accept regional terms (e.g. US ~$250K at ~$2.75M post / ~9%) if invested
You won't qualify if
- You want to stay part-time or keep another job during the residency
- You are unwilling to consider a new co-founder or pivot your idea
Common rejection reasons
- Selective intake (~3% accepted) and only ~20-45% of a cohort receive investment
- Weak signal on individual founder quality, commitment, or coachability
How to apply for Antler
-
1
Check eligibility
Open to first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs — no idea required to apply. Cohorts run in 30+ global locations.
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2
Pick your location
Residency length varies by city (typically 6–10 weeks).
-
3
Apply via Antler
Submit at antler.co/apply.
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4
Join the residency
Meet co-founders, build, and pitch for pre-seed investment. This is an equity program.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Antler commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Antler give startups?
Antler provides eligible startups with up to Varies in funding and resources across its programs.
Does Antler take equity from startups?
Yes — Antler's program involves giving up equity. Review the terms before applying.
Who qualifies for Antler?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Open to first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs; Multiple cohorts per year across 30+ global locations; Residency length varies by location (typically 6–10 weeks).
Is Antler free for startups?
Applying is free. Antler provides up to Varies in funding and resources in exchange for equity.
How do I apply for Antler?
1) Check eligibility, 2) Pick your location, 3) Apply via Antler, 4) Join the residency. Full steps are on this page.
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