Entrepreneurs First2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Talent investor you join before you have a company or co-founder. EF helps you find one and build from zero, and invests up to $250K.
- Up to $250K
- Funding
- 8% for $125K
- Equity
- About 6 months
- Program length
- November 2
- Deadline (6 days left)
About Entrepreneurs First
Entrepreneurs First, or EF, is a talent investor based in London. Matt Clifford and Alice Bentinck founded it in 2011. EF backs individuals before they have a cofounder or an idea. People join a cohort, meet potential cofounders, form a team and only then receive investment. EF says 80% of participants find a cofounder within eight weeks. EF runs programs in London and Bangalore, with the final three months in San Francisco, and a US track based in San Francisco. While participants are still ideating, EF gives an equity free grant. Once a company forms, EF can invest up to $250K. The standard offer reported by Wikipedia is $125K on a post-money SAFE for 8%, plus an optional $125K on an uncapped MFN SAFE for eligible companies. EF also offers up to $5M in follow-on funding and more than $600K in partner credits, including $350K in Azure credits. EF companies are reported to have a combined value of more than $16B. Well known companies started at EF include Cleo, the AI money app, Aztec, the Ethereum privacy layer, PolyAI, Gensyn, Magdrive and Sonantic, which Spotify acquired. In March 2026, EF raised $200M at a reported $1.3B valuation.
What Entrepreneurs First looks for
EF says it looks for individuals who have consistently outperformed their peer group and who have built products, organizations or startups before. It wants people with the ambition to build a large company in the US. Applicants do not need an idea or a cofounder. EF is selecting the person, not the startup. A separate track called XF2 is for experienced founders with 7+ years of experience who have founded a startup or been key to one.
How the Entrepreneurs First program works
Each program starts with a residential kickoff weekend for the cohort. The first weeks focus on finding a cofounder. Participants test ideas and partners, and EF says 80% find a cofounder within eight weeks. During this phase EF pays an equity free grant. Once a team forms a company, it can receive EF's investment. London participants spend 12 weeks in London and Bangalore participants spend 14 weeks in Bangalore, then both move to San Francisco for the final three months. Support includes a dedicated advisor, a San Francisco based partner, build retreats and hackathons, fundraising preparation and office space. The program ends with Demo Day in San Francisco in front of 200+ VC partners. EF says companies typically raise $1M to $7M shortly after pitching.
How to apply to Entrepreneurs First
- 1Pick a program on apply.joinef.com: Bangalore Winter 2027, London Spring 2027, the Bridge Residency in San Francisco, or the US Funding and Fellowships track.
- 2Submit the application on your background and achievements. You do not need an idea or a cofounder.
- 3For Bangalore, apply by November 2, 2026 to be considered in the second of three selection rounds.
- 4If you look like a fit, interview with one or more members of EF's Talent Investing team.
- 5Commit to joining full time and in person, moving to the hub city and later San Francisco. EF does not provide visas, though support may be available.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Entrepreneurs First alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Entrepreneurs First.
Entrepreneurs First vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurs First | Up to $250K | 8% for $125K | London, Bangalore, San Francisco | November 2, 2026 (6 days left) |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Not published | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
| Antler | Up to $500K | Not published | 30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney | Rolling admissions |
| Zinc | Up to $325K | Not published | London | Rolling admissions |
| Techstars London | $220K | 5% common stock for $20K | London | November 18, 2026 (22 days left) |
| Techstars | $220K | 5% common stock | Boston, Chicago, New York City, London, Baltimore, Los Angeles | November 18, 2026 (22 days left) |
Entrepreneurs First FAQ
When is the Entrepreneurs First application deadline?+
The current Entrepreneurs First deadline is November 2, 2026, for Bangalore Winter 2027 (starts February 2027, second selection round deadline Nov 2, 2026). London Spring 2027 starts April 2027 (register interest). Bridge Residency SF starts February 2027.. Apply early: many programs review applications as they arrive.
How much does Entrepreneurs First invest?+
EF invests up to $250K once you form a company. The standard offer is $125K on a post-money SAFE for 8%, plus an optional $125K on an uncapped MFN SAFE for eligible companies. Before that, EF pays an equity free grant while you look for a cofounder. EF also offers up to $5M in follow-on funding.
Do I need a cofounder or an idea to apply to EF?+
No. EF is built for individuals. You join a cohort, meet other ambitious people and form a team during the program. EF says 80% of participants find a cofounder within eight weeks. You only receive EF's company investment after you form a team and a company.
Where does Entrepreneurs First run its programs?+
EF runs programs in London and Bangalore. London participants spend 12 weeks in London and Bangalore participants spend 14 weeks in Bangalore. Both then move to San Francisco for the final three months and Demo Day. EF also runs a US track and a Bridge Residency in San Francisco.
Sources: joinef.com, apply.joinef.com, en.wikipedia.org