A
Dubai, AE
Antler
Global early-stage VC firm founded in 2017, investing at Day Zero with $500K-$1M cheques and residency programmes, plus a $285M growth fund across 30 cities.
Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 that invests at what it terms "Day Zero" - partnering with founders before they have assembled a team or settled on an idea. Typical initial investments range from $500K to $1M, accompanied by substantial partner credits, positioning the firm as first believer and first cheque in a company's formation.
The model combines capital with structured residency programmes offering hands-on coaching and access to a network of operators, investors and domain experts. Beyond inception, follow-on support is provided through Antler Elevate, a $285M emerging growth fund operating from offices in London, Singapore and New York. The firm's technical focus includes artificial intelligence, alongside early-stage venture investing and startup incubation.
Antler has invested in more than 1,800 startups and maintains a presence across 30 cities globally. PitchBook ranks it the most active VC globally, and Dealroom has identified it as the most active investor in AI startups - a portfolio pattern consistent with the firm's emphasis on backing exceptional individuals at the earliest possible stage.
The firm's stated approach is founder-first: conviction is placed in people ahead of a defined product or market, with support extended from inception through scale via its residency programmes and global platform.