Antler, established in Singapore in 2017, is a global early-stage venture capital firm renowned for its 'Day Zero' investment philosophy. Through initiatives like its Global Founder Residencies, the Antler Elevate growth-stage fund, strategic investments in AI startups, and a strong media presence, the firm supports entrepreneurs from ideation to scale-up, solidifying its role as a transformative force in the global startup ecosystem.
Antler's Global Founder Residencies, based in Austin and New York, are innovative programs designed to support entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their startup journey1. These residencies offer a unique opportunity for both new founders and existing teams to develop their ideas and build their companies with the backing of Antler's extensive resources and network.
Key features of the Antler Residency program include:
Tailored support for founders at various stages, from ideation to early team formation
Access to Antler's global network of mentors, investors, and industry experts
Structured curriculum focusing on startup fundamentals and growth strategies
Potential for pre-seed investment from Antler upon successful completion of the program
Opportunity to join a diverse, international community of ambitious entrepreneurs
The residencies complement Antler's 'Day Zero' investment philosophy, providing a launchpad for innovative startups across multiple technology ecosystems and reinforcing Antler's position as a global early-stage venture catalyst.
Antler Elevate, launched in 2023 with a $285 million fund, represents Antler's expansion into growth-stage investments12. This fund focuses on providing scale-up capital from Series A onwards, typically investing $3-10 million in rounds3. Antler Elevate primarily supports companies from Antler's early-stage portfolio across 20+ technology ecosystems, while also selectively considering external category leaders3.
Key aspects of Antler Elevate include:
Supports startups from Series A to Series C stages2
Has already invested over $70 million in 30+ companies1
Leverages Antler's global network of 25 offices for sourcing opportunities1
Aims to be a long-term partner, providing capital, talent, mentorship, and network support3
Focuses on founders demonstrating product-market fit and compounding growth3
TechCrunch has consistently covered Antler's investment activities and strategic moves in the global startup ecosystem, highlighting the firm's impact on early-stage ventures and its focus on emerging markets. Key coverage includes:
Antler's $72 million second Southeast Asia fund, aimed at ramping up startup investments in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia1
The closure of a $13.5 million fund for Antler East Africa, with plans to invest up to $100,000 in early-stage startups2
Antler's vertical AI bet in Southeast Asia, showcasing the firm's support for AI startups addressing sector-specific challenges3
The firm's perspective on Asia presenting the "biggest opportunity" for growth in the tech startup world, as expressed by Antler founder and CEO Magnus Grimeland4
Coverage of Antler East Africa's approach to building early-stage startups with experienced professionals5
These TechCrunch articles underscore Antler's global reach, its strategic focus on high-growth regions, and its commitment to fostering innovation across diverse sectors and geographies.
Antler's leadership team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Here's an overview of key co-founders and executives at Antler:
Magnus Grimeland: Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Antler. A Harvard College graduate, Grimeland previously worked at McKinsey & Company before founding Antler in Singapore in 2017.12
Edward Knight: Serves as the President of Antler, contributing to the firm's strategic direction and growth.2
Frank Stevenaar: Chief Financial Officer at Antler, overseeing the company's financial operations and strategy.2
Dilan Mizrakli: Part of Antler's executive team, though specific role not detailed in the provided sources.2
Tyler Norwood: Managing Partner for Antler in the United States, responsible for overseeing the firm's US growth and geographic expansion.3
This leadership team brings together a wealth of experience from various industries, including financial services, education, retail, and technology, positioning Antler to effectively support and guide early-stage startups across multiple sectors and geographies.4
Antler has invested in several innovative startups across various sectors, demonstrating its commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurial ventures. Here's a brief overview of some notable Antler-backed companies:
Airalo: The world's first eSIM store, providing affordable global connectivity for travelers in over 200 countries and regions123.
Reebelo: A Singapore-based marketplace for refurbished electronics, promoting sustainability by reducing e-waste456.
Frich: A fintech startup focusing on social finance and budgeting for Gen Z users.
Ingenius: An AI-powered platform designed to enhance customer service and support operations.
Agentio: A proptech company streamlining real estate transactions and agent management.
These startups showcase Antler's diverse portfolio, spanning travel tech, circular economy, fintech, AI, and proptech sectors. Each company addresses unique market needs, from global connectivity solutions to sustainable consumer electronics, reflecting Antler's strategy of investing in innovative and scalable business models across various industries.
Antler's investment terms and capabilities vary across regions but generally follow a structured approach to early-stage funding. In most locations, Antler invests between $100,000 to $250,000 for a 10-12% equity stake in selected startups123. The firm typically deducts a platform fee, ranging from $50,000 to $68,000, to cover program costs and support services43.
Key aspects of Antler's investment capabilities include:
Pre-seed funding through regional funds, with potential for follow-on investments up to Series C5
A global follow-on investment vehicle, Antler Elevate, with a $280 million fund for Series A-C rounds6
Ability to deploy additional capital into over 80% of portfolio companies6
Non-negotiable commercial terms to ensure fairness and transparency1
Industry-agnostic approach, focusing on scalable companies and exceptional founders1
Extensive global network across 25+ countries, providing startups with international scaling support and access to diverse markets76
Antler's investment strategy combines local expertise with global reach, enabling the firm to identify and nurture high-potential startups from inception through various growth stages8.