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Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Magnus Grimeland and Fridtjof Berge in Singapore. The firm operates in over 30 cities across six continents, including major innovation hubs such as New York, London, and Tokyo. Antler's unique 'Day Zero' model allows them to invest before founders have a team or product, enabling them to support the creation of companies that might not otherwise exist. This model has positioned Antler as one of the most active early-stage venture capital firms globally.
Since its inception, Antler has grown significantly, now managing over $510 million in assets under management (AUM) and boasting a portfolio of 1,800 companies. The firm has established a structured residency program that includes co-founder matching, idea validation, and initial investment, which has proven effective in launching successful startups. Notable milestones include the successful launch of their first program in Singapore in 2018, which set the template for their global operations.
Antler's global reach and focus on early-stage investments in impactful sectors make it a compelling partner for startups. The firm has a diverse limited partner base and continues to expand its operations, providing ongoing support to portfolio companies as they scale.
Antler specializes in early-stage investments, particularly at the inception stage, which allows them to enter at lower valuations with higher return potential. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), software as a service (SaaS), healthcare, fintech, consumer products, energy, climate technology, mobility, edtech, and web3. Their investment strategy emphasizes supporting founders from various backgrounds, often before they have a fully formed idea or team.
Antler typically invests between $100,000 and $200,000 for 10-12% equity in the companies they support. The firm operates globally, with a presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, allowing them to tap into a wide array of markets and opportunities. Their focus on sectors addressing significant global challenges aligns with their mission to partner with exceptional founders from the inception of their business ideas.
Antler's investment thesis revolves around identifying and nurturing talent, providing resources and support to help founders build successful companies. The firm looks for founders with deep domain expertise, strong drive, resilience, and a full-time commitment to their startup endeavors.
Antler has invested in over 1,800 startups globally, showcasing a diverse portfolio across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these current portfolio companies, Antler has achieved notable exits, including:
Antler's portfolio reflects its commitment to early-stage investing and its ability to identify and support innovative startups across multiple industries.
Magnus Grimeland: Founder & Chief Executive Officer. Grimeland is a Harvard College graduate with a background in consulting at McKinsey & Company and co-founding Zalora Group with Rocket Internet.
Fridtjof Berge: Co-founder & Chief Business Officer. Berge has extensive experience in business development and strategy, contributing to Antler's growth and global expansion.
Lavanya Indralingam: Partner, Head of Scouting. Indralingam leads the scouting efforts to identify exceptional founders and startups for investment.
Bede Moore: Chief Commercial Officer. Moore oversees commercial strategy and partnerships, enhancing Antler's market presence.
Frank Stevenaar: Chief Financial Officer. Stevenaar manages Antler's financial operations and fund management.
Daniel Fisher: VP Brand & Content. Fisher is responsible for Antler's branding and content strategy, ensuring effective communication of the firm's mission and values.
Dilan Mizrakli Landgraff: Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer. Landgraff focuses on strategic initiatives and partnerships to drive Antler's growth.
Founders interested in pitching to Antler should apply through the Antler application page. The application should include a clear articulation of the founder's vision, motivation, and why they believe Antler is the right partner for their startup. Antler prefers authentic and passionate pitches over overly polished presentations.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to go through a multi-step process that includes an online application, interviews, and possibly additional tasks. Warm introductions can be beneficial but are not strictly necessary for the application process.
Antler runs a structured residency program designed to support founders in launching and scaling their startups. This program includes co-founder matching, idea validation, and initial investment, providing a comprehensive framework for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Eligibility for the program is based on the founder's potential and commitment to their startup journey. Interested founders can apply through the Antler application page.
In March 2026, Antler announced that it has invested in over 1,800 startups globally, solidifying its position as the most active early-stage venture capital firm. The firm has also reported significant follow-on funding for its Southeast Asian portfolio companies, collectively securing over $350 million.
In February 2026, Antler's portfolio company Teemyco was acquired by SpatialChat, marking a notable exit for the firm. Additionally, Antler has been actively expanding its operations, with new investments and partnerships announced throughout 2025.
What are Antler's investment criteria?
Antler focuses on early-stage investments, particularly at the inception stage. They look for exceptional founders with deep domain expertise, strong drive, resilience, and a full-time commitment to their startup. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, and more.
How can founders apply or pitch to Antler?
Founders interested in applying can visit the Antler application page. The application process includes an online application, two interviews, and possibly additional tasks or interviews for some candidates.
What makes Antler different from other VC firms?
Antler's unique 'Day Zero' model allows them to invest before founders have a team or product. This approach enables them to create companies from scratch, matching technical and commercial co-founders, which is a core differentiator from traditional VC models.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Antler typically invests between $100,000 and $200,000 for 10-12% equity in the companies they support. The total capital commitment can range from $200,000 to $500,000 depending on the geography.
What is Antler's post-investment involvement like?
Antler provides ongoing support to portfolio companies, including access to a global network, resources for customer acquisition, and preparation for subsequent fundraising. They also have a structured residency program that includes co-founder matching and idea validation.
What is the acceptance rate for Antler's residency program?
Antler is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 3% for their residency program. Out of a typical cohort of 90 participants, 15-20 individuals (7-10 startups) receive funding.
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