The Entrepreneur First (EF) Bangalore Program is a specialized talent investment initiative designed for high-potential individuals in India who aspire to build globally significant technology companies. Operating on a unique "talent-first" model, the program invests in founders before they have a team or a fixed business idea. By combining the technical and entrepreneurial density of Bangalore with the venture capital ecosystem of Silicon Valley, this dual-location program provides a structured pathway for technologists and domain experts to find co-founders, develop market-leading insights, and secure institutional funding.
Program Structure and Global Transition
- Phase One (Bangalore): The first 14 weeks of the program are based in Bangalore, India’s primary technology hub. This stage is dedicated to team formation and "Edge-based" ideation, where participants meet potential co-founders and validate high-growth business concepts.
- Phase Two (San Francisco): Upon the conclusion of the initial 14-week period and successful progression through the investment committee, the program transitions to San Francisco.
- Silicon Valley Residency: The final three months of the program are spent in San Francisco, providing founders with direct access to the world’s most concentrated pool of venture capital, mentors, and potential customers.
- Global Network Integration: Participants are integrated into a worldwide community of founders, gaining exposure to international market standards and global scaling strategies.
Financial Support and Investment Terms
- Individual Monthly Stipend: During the initial "Form" stage in Bangalore, participants receive a monthly stipend to cover living costs, ensuring they can commit to the venture-building process full-time.
- Pre-Seed Investment: Teams that successfully form and pass the internal investment milestone are eligible for a standardized investment package to launch their startup.
- Additional Funding Access: The move to San Francisco is specifically designed to position founders in front of top-tier U.S. and international investors for follow-on seed funding.
- Operational Perks: Founders receive access to a comprehensive suite of startup perks, including cloud credits and software tools, valued at over $600,000.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Target Profile: The program is looking for "outliers"—exceptional engineers, researchers, and domain experts who have demonstrated significant achievements in their respective fields.
- No Pre-Existing Startup Required: Applicants do not need a team or a business idea to apply; the selection process focuses entirely on individual talent and founder potential.
- Location Requirements: This specific track is designed for individuals based in India or those who wish to begin their entrepreneurial journey in the Bangalore ecosystem.
- Full-Time Commitment: The program requires a total full-time commitment, first in Bangalore and subsequently in San Francisco for the residency portion.
Application Timeline for Spring 2026
- Final Application Deadline: To be considered for the third and final selection round for the Spring 2026 cohort, candidates must submit their applications by January 09, 2026.
- Program Commencement: The selected cohort is scheduled to begin the program in Bangalore in April 2026.
- Rolling Admissions: While there is a final deadline, applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged to secure a spot in the selection rounds.
The Entrepreneur First Bangalore Program represents a prestigious opportunity for Indian innovators to leverage local technical expertise while accessing the global capital and network of Silicon Valley. By bridging two of the world’s most important startup ecosystems, the program provides the necessary infrastructure for ambitious individuals to transform from solo experts into venture-backed founders. For those ready to leave the traditional corporate or academic path, this residency offers a high-stakes, high-reward environment to build the next generation of tech giants.