Antler Canada Residency | Pre-Seed Funding for Founders

Antler in Canada offers a program designed to support founders from the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The initiative works with both solo founders seeking co-founders and pre-formed teams, providing a structured environment to validate ideas, build companies, and secure pre-seed funding. The program aims to connect ambitious individuals with a community of peers, expert coaching, and a global network to help them launch and scale their ventures.

Program Structure

Find Your Co-Founder: Participants join a community of entrepreneurs to connect with individuals who complement their skills and share their vision.
Validate and Build Fast: Founders receive expert coaching, community support, and resources to test, iterate, and launch their ventures quickly.
Build and Pitch Your Company: The program guides founders in developing their MVP, refining their go-to-market strategy, and talking to users. It culminates in a pitch to Antler’s Investment Committee.
Scale With Global Support: Teams that secure investment join the Antler portfolio, gaining access to a global founder network, fundraising support, and hands-on guidance for scaling.

The Residency

Format: The Antler Residency in Toronto is a full-time, in-person, high-velocity sprint designed to help founders focus and execute. Most founders attend the downtown Toronto office 4-5 days a week.
Activities: The program includes structured programming, office hours with experts, guest speakers, and curated events. Each week, founders define priorities and leverage the community and coaching to advance their companies.
Community: The residency brings together a cohort of 60–80 driven peers, fostering an engaged and supportive community of founders building together.

Investment Details

Pre-Seed Funding: Companies that successfully pitch to the Investment Committee receive CAD $150,000 in pre-seed funding in exchange for 10% equity, structured as a SAFE.
Post-Investment Support: After investment, companies become part of the Toronto portfolio. Support includes ongoing access to Antler’s global network, hands-on advisory, and resources for go-to-market execution, customer growth, and future fundraising.
Follow-on Funding: Antler assists portfolio companies in preparing for future fundraising rounds and connects them with downstream investors across Canada and globally.

Ideal Candidates

Founder Stage: The program is for founders at the earliest stage, including those with just an idea, individuals looking for a co-founder, or existing early-stage teams. Antler aims to be the first institutional check into its portfolio companies.
Selection Criteria: The selection process identifies the top 2% of applicants. It looks for a strong combination of founder DNA—defined as grit, drive, and clarity of vision—along with exceptional skills in product, sales, or specific domain expertise.
Business Ideas: Aspiring entrepreneurs are welcome at different stages, whether in the brainstorming phase or pitch-ready. A clear vision is helpful, but determination and drive are considered most important.

Application Process

Step 1 - Apply Online: Applicants fill out an online form with their preferred residency location and personal details. Visa eligibility for the chosen location is required.
Step 2 - Application Review: The local residency team evaluates the applicant's profile, vision, and potential.
Step 3 - Interviews: Shortlisted candidates meet with the residency team and general partners to assess motivation, resilience, and founder potential.
Step 4 - Receive an Offer: Successful applicants receive a formal offer with details about their cohort.

Program Logistics and FAQs

Visa Requirements: Applicants must hold a valid Canadian work visa to join the Toronto Residency. Antler provides an offer letter but does not offer direct support with acquiring visas.
Industry Focus: The program is industry-agnostic and invests across all technology sectors.
Time Commitment: The residency is a full-time commitment, and participants are expected to dedicate 100% of their time to building their company. Holding another full-time job is not feasible.
Relocation Stipend: Accepted founders who are relocating for the residency may apply for a $3,000 living expense grant.
Post-Residency Path: If a team successfully pitches, they enter Phase II for support with incorporation and scaling. If unsuccessful, they remain part of the Antler community, retain access to office space for an additional week, and can discuss next steps, with the possibility of pitching again later.
Pitch Opportunity: Not every founder or team is guaranteed an opportunity to present to the investment committee. Reasons may include personal time commitment issues, needing more time for validation, or deciding the business is not venture-scalable.
Application Status: Applicants can check their status on the Antler portal. The team typically responds within 2–3 weeks, though this may vary based on application volume.