Antler Residency US (Spring 2025)

History and Founding Story

Antler is recognized as the world's leading inception stage investor, with a mission to back the most exceptional founders from day zero. The organization has built a global presence, spanning 27 cities, to identify and support entrepreneurs who are creating era-defining businesses that transform industries and reshape the future. Antler's model is built on the belief that the right support at the earliest stages can significantly increase a startup's chances of success.

Mission and Values

Antler's core mission is to empower ambitious individuals to build and scale impactful companies. Their values revolve around being the "first believer" in founders, providing significant initial capital, and fostering a community of "outliers" – exceptional builders and operators. They emphasize speed, transparency, and continuous support throughout a company's lifecycle, from inception to IPO, aiming to give founders an "unfair advantage."

Program Structure and Timeline

The Antler Residency in the US is an intensive, in-person program designed to help founders launch and secure funding for their startups. The program invites a select group of operators, builders, and aspiring founders to work together for up to three months. This residency is a building sprint focused on leveraging community, coaching, and intense effort. Following the residency, founders have the opportunity to pitch to Antler's Investment Committee (IC) for pre-seed investment.

Mentorship and Network

Participants in the Antler Residency benefit from direct access to a robust network of operators, investors, and domain experts. The program emphasizes dedicated coaching and mentorship, guiding founders through the critical early stages of company building. Beyond the initial residency, Antler continues to support its portfolio companies, providing structured fundraising assistance and access to its extensive global platform and founder network.

Investment Terms

Antler typically acts as the first investor, committing an initial investment of $500,000 to $1,000,000 to companies that emerge from the residency. In addition to direct capital, companies also receive approximately $650,000 in partner credits, further bolstering their resources. This pre-seed investment is designed to get companies off the ground and provide a strong foundation for future growth.

What Makes It Unique

What sets Antler apart is its comprehensive, full-lifecycle support, extending well beyond a traditional accelerator model. They don't just invest; they actively help founders build teams, validate ideas, and secure follow-on funding. The in-person, community-driven approach in key tech hubs like NYC, SF, and Austin creates a focused environment for collaboration and rapid development. Their global network and continuous support post-investment provide a unique advantage for scaling businesses internationally.

Notable Outcomes

The program boasts a strong track record, with the vast majority of Antler-backed companies raising further funding within nine months of their initial investment. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Antler's model in preparing companies for subsequent funding rounds and long-term success.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants can expect a highly focused and collaborative environment. They will spend their days working alongside other exceptional founders in Antler's offices, engaging in intense building activities, receiving dedicated coaching, and leveraging the community for feedback and support. The program is designed as a sprint, meaning a high level of dedication and effort is required to maximize the six-week period for launching and funding a startup.