Antler Residency US (Fall 2025)

History and Founding Story

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm that invests in and supports the world's most exceptional founders from day zero. While the specific founding story of Antler isn't detailed on this page, its mission is clear: to identify, back, and scale the next generation of impactful companies. The Antler Residency US (Fall 2025) is a testament to this mission, offering a structured yet flexible program designed to accelerate the journey from idea to funded startup.

Mission and Values

Antler's core mission is to empower ambitious individuals to build groundbreaking companies. The program values community, intense effort, and rapid iteration. It emphasizes a "build sprint" approach, encouraging founders to leverage a strong network, expert coaching, and a focused environment to achieve significant progress in a short timeframe. The program's commitment to diversity and impact is implicit in its selection process, aiming to bring together a community of exceptional founders from various backgrounds.

Program Structure and Timeline

The Antler Residency US (Fall 2025) is a six-week intensive sprint, running from September 30 to November 7, 2025. The program kicks off on September 30 with a welcome breakfast, program overview, and founder introductions. The core of the residency, from October 1-31, involves in-person coworking in Austin, New York, and San Francisco. During this month, founders ideate, build, and ship, participating in workshops, speaker sessions, and 1:1 coaching. The Investment Committee Week, from November 3-7, culminates in founders pitching to Antler's IC for $500k in funding. Following investment, the Portfolio Phase II, starting November 10, provides ongoing support for growth and fundraising, leading to an exclusive Portfolio Retreat and Showcase in January 2026. The program adopts a "choose your own adventure" approach, allowing founders to curate their experience based on their building needs.

Mentorship and Network

Participants gain access to a community of brilliant founders, experts, and coaches. The program facilitates brainstorming sessions, workshops, and 1:1 coaching to provide tailored support and guidance. The network extends beyond the six-week sprint, with ongoing support for invested companies in the Portfolio Phase II, including a Portfolio Retreat and Showcase. This robust network is designed to provide accountability, urgency, and sustained support for founders.

Investment Terms

Antler offers $500,000 in funding to selected companies. While the specific equity terms are not detailed on this page, the investment is a significant incentive for founders. The program clarifies that founders do not have to accept the Antler investment, and terms are negotiable, indicating a founder-friendly approach. For those who receive investment, Antler provides further support for follow-on funding.

What Makes It Unique

What sets Antler apart is its intense, six-week build sprint model, combined with significant upfront funding and a highly selective founder community. With less than 3% of applicants selected, the program ensures a high caliber of participants. The option for in-person participation across three major US tech hubs (Austin, New York, San Francisco) provides flexibility and access to diverse ecosystems. The provision of a founder grant and relocation support further distinguishes Antler, demonstrating a commitment to removing barriers for exceptional talent.

Notable Outcomes

Antler boasts impressive success metrics, with over 200 startups invested globally and 85% of its portfolio companies raising additional funding within six months. Collectively, Antler-backed companies have raised over $2 billion in total capital globally. The program highlights founder success stories, such as Maya, who regained momentum, onboarded over 100 users, and closed early funding during her Antler journey.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Founders can expect a dynamic and demanding environment. Days will involve a mix of ideation sessions, hands-on building, workshops, speaker sessions, and personalized 1:1 coaching. The program encourages full-time, in-person participation to maximize the collaborative benefits of the community. While structured, there's flexibility for founders to prioritize activities that best serve their startup's needs, fostering an environment of intense progress and focused effort.