LAUNCH, BUILD, AND SCALE YOUR STARTUP WITH ANTLER IN INDIA
Antler founders are solving the world’s biggest challenges. Whether you're pioneering AI models, reimagining commerce, or solving critical health challenges, we provide the capital, platform, and deep expertise to help you scale from first build to global breakout.
ANTLER INDIA RESIDENCY: THE BEST PLACE TO STARTUP
Whether you’re at pre-launch, pre-product, or pre-revenue stage, Antler will back you from day zero to greatness. We work with startups in the trenches to fast-track their growth with funding, mentorship, and a global network.
Build an AI company that can win globally — from Day Zero
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Antler is the most active AI investor globally, and the leading backer of AI startups in India. The Antler India AI Residency is a high-intensity program designed to back India’s most ambitious AI founders from day zero. Backed by the world’s most active AI investor.
3 weeks. Fast-track decisions. ₹4 Cr cheque upfront. $1Mn in AI relevant perks.
Applications Before: February 19th, 2026; Residency Start Date: February 23rd 2026
- Significant Capital, Deployed Fast:
We endeavour to back 60%+ of the startups from this cohort with capital designed for scale:
- INR 4Cr (~$470K) for 11% in total investment with potential $30M in Follow-On Capital
Funding decisions made in just 3 weeks
Founder-friendly terms designed to support future rounds
2. Perks: Over $1M in AI-Relevant Perks and upto $4M in total perks
- Who Should Apply? The program targets exceptional founding teams building promising AI solutions. Ideal candidates are:
- Strong teams committed full-time; actively experimenting with users to sharpen MVP clarity
- Available to join full-time in Bangalore from February 23 for upto 3 weeks.
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For exceptional teams building defining companies across sectors
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Whether you’re targeting Bharat, crafting the next consumer breakout, reimagining fintech, or unlocking untapped enterprise value, build from scratch or accelerate your company with Antler’s capital, deep sector expertise, and a global platform designed to help you scale faster.
As of now our focus is on AI-first startups, but if you are building something exceptional do get in touch with our team, getting someone we know to vouch for you is even better.

Community
Before Day Zero is an invite-only community for India’s top talent preparing to launch their next big venture. If you’re a solo founder actively looking for a co-founder and/or are 3-6 months away from starting up — whether chasing a billion-dollar opportunity or tackling an overlooked problem in a bold new way — this is the perfect space for you. Connect with like-minded peers, spark meaningful conversations, and build a powerful network to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
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We’ve helped put hundreds of founders on a pathway to global success
Fuelled by a passion that goes beyond traditional investing, we exist to increase our founders’ speed and maximise their success rate in solving important problems.
#1
Most active A.I investor in India
100+
India portfolio companies
12,000+
Founders supported globally
24+
Offices worldwide
FREQUENTLY —ASKED QUESTIONS
Teams at the pre-launch, pre-product, or pre-revenue stage.
Antler commits up to ~$470K (~INR 4 crores) per startup for 11% equity, we endeavour to invest in 50-75% companies that make it to the Residency
Designed for exceptional founding teams:
- Chance to get 4Cr in investments upfront, for 11% equity, with an investment decision in just 3 weeks
- Perks: $1M in AI-Relevant Perks; Up to $4M in Total Perks
- Benefit from weekly office hours with Antler's GPs as well as a dedicated team, designed to rigorously stress-test venture scalability and validate your idea
- 2 Weeks of intense programming and 1-1 sessions with seasoned AI builders and operators who reveal their playbook across product, fundraise, GTM and more
- Get access to an exclusive office space in Bengaluru
No, our Residency takes place in-person in Bengaluru only for the first 2 weeks. It provides invaluable in-person access to mentorship, networking, and 1-1 collaborative sessions with other founders and top AI operators and builders. Founders are supported with a one-time INR 2L grant to cover expenses, complimentary office space, and access to over $1Mn worth of founder perks.
Founding teams looking to raise their first institutional round can secure an investment decision within 3 weeks.
Aspiring founders, experienced operators, and domain experts thinking seriously about launching a company in the near future.
Dedicated support around helping you find a co-founder, curated social and professional events, small group discussions, and access to resources that help you navigate the early steps of your startup journey.
No. This is an Antler-backed initiative designed to support founders before they take the plunge.
While investment isn’t guaranteed, we endeavour to invest in 50–75% of the teams that join.
Build your AI company with Antler in India
As the most active AI investor globally, and the leading backer of AI startups in India, Antler is launching the AI Residency — to support the next generation of AI companies emerging from the region.

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