Antler launches new €500,000 investment program for tech founders in continental Europe

Antler, one of the world's most active early-stage investors, is launching Antler ONE, a new, selective funding program for tech founders in continental Europe. The new flagship product is aimed at so-called outlier founders, i.e. entrepreneurs with the potential to create category-defining tech companies. With a significantly expanded capital framework of up to 500,000 euros per startup, Antler aims to make targeted investments in technological excellence in the region.

Early-stage financing for Europe's strongest tech founders

The new program is Antler's response to the increasing quality and dynamism of the European start-up ecosystem.

We are doubling our commitment to Europe's best founders - with twice the capital and more long-term support.

Christoph Klink, Partner at Antler

Participating teams receive an initial investment of 200,000 euros. In the subsequent pre-seed round, Antler provides up to a further 300,000 euros. The program also offers access to a global network, experienced venture partners and other services and investor contacts.

Launch in Berlin and Europe-wide scaling

The first cohort will start in September 2025 with an intensive start-up phase in Berlin. Afterwards, founders can either stay in the capital or work with Antler's investment teams in Munich, Amsterdam or Paris. The program is deliberately aimed at technical founders who are ready to take their company quickly into the growth phase.

Strict selection and ambitious goals

The selection process is particularly competitive. In 2024, Antler only invested in the best 0.3% of all applicants in Europe. According to the company, Antler ONE will be even more selective. The aim is to support "not many", but "the right" companies.

Backing for the European start-up ecosystem

Over the past five years, Antler has supported over 180 start-ups in continental Europe. Many of them are now among the fastest growing tech companies in the region. Examples include Lovable, Peec AI, NeoCarbon and Klearly, which are backed by renowned follow-on investors such as a16z, Coatue and Accel.

Antler also sees the new initiative as a strategic response to a changing start-up landscape: Europe today has more technical talent, faster time-to-market cycles and increased interest in capital from abroad. In Germany, France and the Netherlands in particular, the ecosystem has matured considerably in recent years.

Application phase underway

Applications for the new Antler CE:ONE program are now open. The program is looking for ambitious founders with a technical background, global aspirations and the goal of building scalable companies with a high economic and social impact.