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Antler East Africa Residency Program

Antler · VC / Investment Fund
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About this opportunity

Antler invests $100,000–$250,000 in tech startups formed during a Nairobi residency programme. You apply as an individual or founding team, receive mentorship and network access, and co-found a company from scratch during the programme.

Antler's Nairobi-based residency brings together exceptional founders to co-found companies from scratch, providing pre-seed investment, mentorship, and access to a global network. Antler invests USD 100,000–250,000 for equity in companies formed during the program. Open to ambitious individuals and early-stage founding teams across all sectors.

Who can apply

  • Individuals with founder-grade ambition and relevant skills
  • Early-stage founding teams
  • People based in Nairobi or willing to relocate there for the full residency period
  • Founders working across technology, fintech, health, agriculture, climate or other sectors
  • Applicants at idea or pre-seed stage (from idea through to first traction)

Not eligible

  • Founders unwilling to relocate to Nairobi for the residency duration
  • Companies already at Series A stage or beyond seeking scale-up capital

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Documents you will need

  • Full name and email address
  • LinkedIn profile URL (optional but recommended)
  • Brief description of your company or idea (optional)
  • Pitch deck in PDF or image format, maximum 10MB (optional)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit Antler's application portal and select 'Middle East & Africa' as your region
  2. Select 'Nairobi' as your city
  3. Enter your first name, last name, and email address
  4. Select your stage as 'Idea to Pre-Seed – Founding to first traction'
  5. Add your LinkedIn profile, company description, and pitch deck if you have them ready
  6. Tick the box to receive updates from Antler and agree to their privacy policy
  7. Submit your application and wait for the Antler team to contact you by email if there is a fit
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Antler reviews applications on a rolling basis—there is no fixed deadline. The team assesses founder ambition, relevant skills, and commitment to the full residency period. If your application matches their criteria, they will contact you by email to discuss next steps. The selection process typically takes several weeks after submission.

What reviewers look for

  • Antler prioritises founder-grade ambition and capability over a polished business plan; apply even if you have only an idea and the right motivation
  • Willingness to relocate and commit full-time to the Nairobi residency is essential; signal this clearly
  • A LinkedIn profile and pitch deck strengthen your application, but neither is required to apply
  • The programme values founders working on real problems in tech, fintech, health, agriculture and climate; clarity on the problem you are solving matters
  • Antler invests in companies formed during the programme, not in pre-existing teams; new co-founder matches are part of the residency model

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have a co-founder already, or can I apply as a solo founder?

You can apply as an individual. Antler's residency brings founders together to co-found companies from scratch, so solo founders are welcome and may be matched with other founders during the programme.

What happens if my sector is not listed—agriculture, health, fintech, tech or climate?

The listing mentions those five sectors but also states that the programme is open to all sectors with no specific sector restriction. You can apply regardless of your focus area.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Applications are rolling, which means there is no fixed closing date. You can apply at any time, but earlier applications may be reviewed earlier. Contact Antler directly if you want to know cohort intake dates.

How much equity does Antler take for the $100,000–$250,000 investment?

The listing confirms the investment amount but does not state the equity stake. Clarify this point with Antler before accepting a term sheet.

Can I apply from outside Nairobi if I am willing to relocate?

Yes. The eligibility criteria state applicants must be 'based in or willing to relocate to Nairobi'. Make it clear in your application that you are able and committed to moving for the full residency period.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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