Antler US

Antler US is an early-stage accelerator and founder residency program administered by the global venture capital firm Antler. The six-to-twelve-week in-person program operates across major technology hubs like New York City, Austin, San Francisco, and Boulder, with the Spring 2025 cohort beginning on May 1, 2025. Operating with a highly competitive sub-0.2 percent acceptance rate, the residency facilitates co-founder matching and idea validation before selected teams pitch for a standard $250,000 pre-seed investment for a nine percent equity stake. The broader organization is supported by notable backers such as VNV Global, Schroders, and Eduardo Saverin, while its portfolio includes alumni like Vero Technologies. This resource is designed for aspiring founders, operators, and technologists at the inception stage seeking structured support to build a founding team, validate business concepts, and secure initial pre-seed capital.

Antler US runs 10-week in-person residencies from hubs in New York and Austin, investing $400,000 total: $250,000 for 9% on a post-money SAFE plus a $150,000 uncapped MFN SAFE. The 2026 deadline is July 1, 2026. Like all Antler programs, you can apply pre-idea and pre-team.

At a Glance

• Program window: 2026 (10 weeks)
• Format: In-person residency in New York or Austin
• Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Funding: $400K total ($250K for 9% + $150K uncapped MFN SAFE)
• Stage: Pre-idea to early stage

What You Get

Structured co-founder matching, idea validation, mentorship from US-based operators and investors, and a path to funded company in 10 weeks. At the end of the residency, you pitch to Antler's Investment Committee. Successful teams receive immediate funding and access to Antler's follow-on fund.

Who Antler US Is Looking For

Individual founders with strong technical or domain expertise. No idea or co-founder required. Must commit full-time to the in-person residency at either the NYC or Austin hub.