Antler

Antler is a global day-zero investor and startup generator operating in 27+ locations worldwide. Unlike traditional accelerators, Antler specializes in helping aspiring founders build companies from scratch, offering two distinct programs: the Residency (for idea-stage and pre-idea founders) and Disrupt (for startups with working products and early traction).

Antler Residency (6-10 weeks)

• Full-time, in-person program for building startups from day zero
• Co-founder matching and team formation support
• Intensive validation, customer discovery, and business model development
• Cohort-based with 10-50+ founders per location
• Investment upon passing Investment Committee (IC)

Antler Disrupt (4 weeks)

• High-intensity execution sprint for startups with product and traction
• $400K investment standard (no participation fees)
• $650K+ in AI/tech perks from day 1, unlocking $4M+ total after funding
• Direct enterprise customer introductions and GTM acceleration
• Next sprint: Ho Chi Minh City, March 30-April 24, 2026

Antler has backed 1,000+ companies globally since founding, with portfolio companies raising billions in follow-on funding. The firm provides lifelong support through its global network and follow-on fund (Antler Elevate).

For ZHC builders, Antler offers structured pathways from idea to funded startup, extensive mentor networks, global market access, and flexible investment terms that vary by location to optimize for local ecosystems.

Antler Residency Eligibility

Founder Profile

• Exceptional drive and ambition to build category-defining companies
• Strong problem-solving ability and capacity to deconstruct ideas
• Coachable and willing to iterate quickly
• Can be solo founders or have co-founders (Antler facilitates matching)
• No startup idea required - many teams form during the program

Commitment Requirements

• Full-time participation for entire program duration (6-10 weeks varies by location)
• Physical presence required at chosen location
• Must have valid visa/work authorization for program location
• Exclusivity agreement during program (cannot fundraise from other investors)

Selection Criteria

• Technical or domain expertise in target industry
• Entrepreneurial mindset and execution capability
• Team-building and collaboration skills
• Scalable business vision with large market opportunity
• Ability to match with other founders (for solo applicants)

Antler Disrupt Eligibility

Startup Requirements

• Working product or MVP with early traction
• Clear product-market fit indicators
• Ready for rapid GTM acceleration
• Building with emerging technologies (AI focus preferred)
• Small, agile team (2-5 founders ideal)

Team Criteria

• Proven execution ability
• Global ambition and scalability mindset
• Technical founder(s) with business-side co-founder(s) preferred
• Solo founders accepted if demonstrating exceptional capability

Disrupt Commitment

• In-person for 4 weeks at sprint location
• Full-time dedication during sprint
• Willingness to relocate for global expansion

Investment Terms (Location-Specific)

Sample Terms (vary by location):

Antler Disrupt (Standard):

• $400,000 total investment
• Structure: $250K for 10% equity + $150K uncapped SAFE with MFN
• No participation fees
• $650K+ perks immediately, $4M+ total after funding

Antler Residency Examples:

• Singapore (2026): Up to $400K total ($150K net first ticket)
• UK: £500K commitment from day zero
• US/Global: Typically $100K-$250K seed investment
• Equity: Usually 5-15% depending on stage and location

Note: Each location has customized terms optimized for local ecosystem. Check specific location pages for exact terms.

ZHC-Specific Fit

✓ Excellent for:

• Residency: Aspiring founders without ideas or teams
• Residency: First-time founders needing structured support
• Residency: Professionals transitioning to entrepreneurship
• Disrupt: Tech startups with MVP and early users/revenue
• Disrupt: AI/ML companies needing infrastructure and GTM support
• Technical founders seeking business co-founders
• Teams wanting global network access and market expansion
• Founders needing rapid validation and investor connections

✗ Poor fit if:

• Already well-funded (Series A+)
• Cannot commit full-time to program
• Visa restrictions for program location
• Late-stage companies in scale mode
• Not willing to give equity for investment and support
• Looking for hands-off capital only
• Cannot relocate for program duration

Application Process

Step 1: Online Application (Rolling Admissions)

• Submit application via Antler website for preferred location
• Provide: Name, email, LinkedIn, background, startup idea (if any)
• New: AI-powered application conversation (30 minutes)
• Upload pitch deck and demo video (for Disrupt applicants)
• Timeline: 2-3 weeks for initial review

Step 2: Interview Process

• First Interview: Initial screening with Antler team (1 hour)
  • Assess motivation, resilience, founder potential
  • Evaluate skills, experience, and team-building ability
• Second Interview: In-depth discussion with Partners
  • Problem-solving assessment
  • Idea deconstruction exercises
  • Cultural fit evaluation
• Optional Third Interview or Video Task (if needed for clarity)

Step 3: Decision & Offer

• Fast decision timeline (typically within 2-3 weeks of final interview)
• Successful applicants receive formal offer with:
  • Cohort/sprint start date
  • Location details
  • Investment terms (location-specific)
  • Program expectations and commitments

Step 4: Program Participation

For Antler Residency (6-10 weeks):

Phase	Duration	Activities
Team Formation	Weeks 1-3	Co-founder matching, idea exploration, team building
Validation	Weeks 3-6	Customer discovery, problem-solution fit, market validation
Launch	Weeks 6-10	MVP development, GTM strategy, pitch preparation
Investment Committee	End of program	Final pitch to IC for funding decision

For Antler Disrupt (4 weeks):

Week	Focus	Key Deliverables
Week 1	Orientation & Strategy	Meet cohort, clarify market and customer strategy
Week 2	GTM Execution	Product-market fit refinement, customer introductions
Week 3	Traction Building	Close pilots, validate pricing, gain early customers
Week 4	Scale Prep & Pitch	Optimize operations, pitch to IC, secure $400K funding

Investment Committee (IC) Process

Composition:

• Local Antler Partners
• External local investors
• Global Antler team members
• Industry experts (relevant to startup sector)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Team strength and execution capability
• Problem-solution fit and market validation
• Business model viability and unit economics
• Market size and growth potential
• Competitive positioning
• Traction and customer feedback (for Disrupt)

Outcomes:

• Investment approval: Receive funding per location terms, join Antler portfolio
• No investment: Receive detailed feedback, can pursue independently, doors remain open for future investment

Post-Investment Support

Antler Platform Access (Lifelong)

• Global network of 1,000+ portfolio founders across 27 locations
• Ongoing mentorship from 70+ Partners (avg 2.6 startups each)
• Regular check-ins and strategic guidance
• Introductions to customers, partners, investors

Antler Elevate (Follow-On Fund)

• Follow-on capital for scaling companies
• Participation in Series A and beyond
• Bridge funding between rounds

Embark Program (US Expansion)

• 6-month intensive US market entry program
• Compresses typical 18-24 month expansion into focused execution
• 1 month Bay Area immersion with 40+ high-value meetings
• Customer and advisor introductions
• US fundraising preparation

Upcoming Cohorts (2026)

Q1 2026:

• India (Bangalore): Feb 23
• Singapore: Feb 23
• Europe (Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen): Mar 3
• Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich): Mar 9
• UK (London): Mar 10
• Korea (Seoul): Mar 16
• US (NYC, Austin, SF): Mar 16
• Nigeria (Lagos): Mar 23
• Canada (Toronto): Mar 23
• Indonesia (Jakarta): Mar 30
• Disrupt Sprint (Ho Chi Minh City): Mar 30-Apr 24

Q2 2026:

• UAE/Saudi Arabia (Dubai, Riyadh): Apr 6
• Kenya (Nairobi): Apr 13
• Japan (Tokyo): May 11

Q3 2026:

• Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane): Aug 17

Note: Applications reviewed on rolling basis - apply early for best consideration.

Official Antler Resources

Main Website & Applications:

• Antler Global
• Apply to Residency
• Apply to Disrupt
• Residency Program Details

Regional Offices (27 Locations):

Asia Pacific:

• Singapore, Bangalore, Jakarta, Seoul, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

Americas:

• New York City, San Francisco, Austin, Toronto, São Paulo

Europe:

• London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen

Middle East & Africa:

• Dubai, Riyadh, Lagos, Nairobi

Program-Specific Contacts:

• General inquiries: Via application portal
• Location-specific questions: Contact local Antler office
• Ask Me Anything sessions: Check location pages for schedules

Investment Terms by Location:

• Singapore Investment Terms
• UK Investment Terms
• Other locations: Check individual location pages

Key Partners & Network:

• 70+ Antler Partners with startup leadership experience
• 1,000+ portfolio companies globally
• $15B+ in collective exit value from partner backgrounds
• Companies from: Airbnb, Alibaba, Lazada, Coupang, Westwing, and more

Perks & Infrastructure Partners:

• AI/Tech: NVIDIA, OpenAI, AWS, Nebius, Databricks, Google Cloud, Azure
• Total perks value: $650K+ immediate access, $4M+ post-funding

Notable Portfolio Companies:

• Airalo: World's first eSIM store (Singapore)
• Reebelo: Sustainable tech marketplace (Singapore)
• Peec.ai: Marketing brand performance analytics (Germany)
• Taqtic/Tactiq: Meeting-to-knowledge AI (Australia)
• Wingbits: Flight-tracking crypto network (Sweden)

Media & Updates:

• Antler Blog
• LinkedIn: Follow for cohort announcements
• Twitter/X: @antlervc

Selection Statistics:

• Acceptance rate: Less than 3% for Disrupt
• High selectivity across all programs
• Applications reviewed on rolling basis (apply early)

Recognition:

• Named most active AI investor globally by Dealroom.co (2024)
• Present in 27 locations across 6 continents
• Backed 1,000+ companies since founding