Antler 2027: Deadline, Funding and How to Apply
Day-zero investor that helps founders find co-founders and build from scratch in 25+ cities. In the US it commits $500K to $1M; terms vary by location.
Antler at a glance
- Next deadline
- Rolling admissions
- Next batch
- Rolling. US residencies admit a select group monthly; applications reviewed year-round.
- Funding
- $500K to $1M initial commitment in the US; varies by location
- Equity
- Varies by location
- Program length
- Up to 3 months residency (US); varies by location
- Location
- 30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney
- Stage
- Idea, Pre-seed
- Industries
- AI, Enterprise SaaS, Consumer, Fintech, Climate, Deep tech, Health
- Founded
- 2017
What is Antler?
Antler is a global early stage venture firm that invests from day zero, often before a company exists. Magnus Grimeland founded it in Singapore in 2017. It now runs residencies in about 30 locations across Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and it reports more than 2,000 portfolio companies. Antler is different from a classic accelerator because many people join as individuals. They use the residency to find a cofounder, test ideas and then pitch Antler's investment committee. Antler expects to be the first investor to hear the pitch. Terms depend on the location. In the US, where residencies run in New York, San Francisco and Austin, the initial commitment is typically $500K to $1M plus $650K in partner credits, with no fee to join. Other markets have smaller checks. For example, Antler's Singapore page has listed $100,000 for 10%, and its Nordics team doubled its initial check to €200,000 in 2025. Antler's best known outcome so far is Airalo, the eSIM company, which came out of its second Singapore cohort in 2019 and passed a $1B valuation in 2025. Antler also runs Antler Elevate, a separate track for Series A to C companies.
How the Antler program works
In the US, the residency lasts up to three months and is in person. Antler invites a select group of residents each month. At least one founder must be full time in the residency. Residents work on ideas, meet potential cofounders and test their market with support from the local Antler team. When a team is ready, it pitches Antler's investment committee for the initial commitment. After investment, companies get structured fundraising support, continued access to office space and the founder community, plus partner credits worth about $650K in the US. Other locations run their own formats. Residency length, check size and fees differ by country, so founders should read the terms on their local Antler page.
What Antler looks for
Antler's US page says it looks for outliers with strong execution speed, deep domain expertise and a willingness to take big swings. Residents should intend to build an investable company, even if they have not incorporated yet. Solo founders and existing cofounder teams can apply. Focus areas include AI, enterprise SaaS, consumer, fintech, climate, deep tech and health. Antler's UK page says founders who have already raised a meaningful pre-seed round are probably too far along for the residency.
How to apply to Antler
- 1Apply on antler.co/apply with your name, email, optional LinkedIn, your stage and the region and city you want to join.
- 2For the US, confirm at least one cofounder has unrestricted US work authorization, since Antler does not sponsor visas.
- 3Antler's team reviews applications year-round and invites a select group to each monthly residency intake.
- 4During the residency, build with your cofounder and pitch Antler's investment committee when ready.
- 5If approved, receive the initial commitment and move into post-investment fundraising support.
Applying with a pitch deck?
Get a free score and slide-by-slide feedback before you submit, with our AI Pitch Review.
Notable Antler alumni
- Airalo
Startup perks to claim once you are accepted
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Antler vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antler | $500K to $1M initial commitment in the US; varies by location | Varies by location | 30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | €150K to €5M (reported range) | Minority stake, no standard percentage published | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Grant below €2.5M + €1M to €10M equity | None on grant; equity or quasi-equity via EIC Fund if blended finance | EU and Horizon Europe associated countries | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | $500K to $2M | Pear targets about 7% ownership | San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco and Menlo Park) | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | $500K to $1.5M initial investment | Not published (venture investment) | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | $350K to $1.25M first cheque | Varies; standard pre-seed ASA (historically about 6.5% to 7.5% for a lead pre-seed cheque) | London, UK (invests across Europe and Israel) | Rolling admissions |
Antler FAQ
When is the Antler application deadline?+
Antler reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
How much does Antler invest?+
It depends on the location. Antler's US page says the initial commitment is typically $500K to $1M, plus $650K in partner credits. Other markets are smaller. Antler Singapore has listed $100,000 for 10%, and Antler Nordics raised its initial check to €200,000 in 2025. Always check your local Antler page for current terms.
Does Antler charge a fee?+
Antler's US page says there is no fee to join the residency. Some other markets have used a platform or program fee. Antler's Australian materials, for example, have described a separate platform fee. Read the term sheet for your city before committing.
Can I apply to Antler without a cofounder or an idea?+
Yes. Antler is built for individuals as well as teams. Many residents join alone and meet a cofounder during the residency. You do not need an incorporated company. In the US, at least one founder must be full time in the residency and have US work authorization.
What is Antler's most successful company?+
Airalo, the eSIM marketplace, is Antler's best known company. It came out of Antler's second Singapore cohort and graduated in March 2019. In July 2025 it raised $220M at a valuation above $1B, with Peak XV and Antler participating, making it Antler's first unicorn.