Antler Nigeria runs an eight‑week, in‑person pre‑seed programme in Lagos that backs technology teams with $100,000 for 10 % equity and a pre‑committed $150,000 to match the next VC round. The cohort receives daily mentorship, product workshops and investor meetings, after which Antler decides which teams to fund. It is open to individual founders or co‑founder teams at idea, pre‑seed or early‑traction stage, regardless of where they live, provided they can relocate to Lagos for the full eight weeks.
The programme suits founders who have a clear tech‑based solution to a real problem but may not yet have paying customers or significant revenue. The single most important thing to get right is the ability to move to Lagos for the entire programme; without full attendance you will be ineligible, regardless of how strong your idea or deck is.
Key facts
- Provider: Antler
- Funding: $100,000 – $250,000
- Who it is for: Nigeria
- Status: Open (rolling)
Who can apply
- Individual founders or co-founder teams applying together
- Founders at idea, pre-seed, or early traction stage
- Technology companies (sector-agnostic within tech)
- Founders able to commit to eight weeks in Lagos in person
- Based anywhere; willingness to relocate temporarily required
Who cannot apply
- Founders unable to attend the full eight-week programme in person in Lagos
- Series A and later stage companies (Antler's focus is pre-seed)
Documents you will need
- LinkedIn profile URL or CV
- Pitch deck (optional, but strongly recommended; max 10MB file size)
- Company website (optional)
- Short description of what you are building (optional on initial form)
How to apply, step by step
- Visit Antler's application portal and select 'Lagos' under Middle East & Africa
- Fill in your name, email, and LinkedIn profile (or CV equivalent)
- Select your stage: 'Idea to Pre-Seed – Founding to first traction'
- Optionally upload a pitch deck (max 10MB), describe your company, and add your website
- Tick the box to agree to Antler's privacy policy and receive updates
- Submit; you will receive an immediate confirmation that your application is with the team
How applications are assessed
Antler reviews applications on a rolling basis. If there is a fit, the team will contact you by email. The eight-week programme in Lagos involves cohort-based training, mentorship, and investor meetings. At the end, Antler decides which teams to invest in. Those selected receive $100k for 10% equity plus a commitment to invest an additional $150k when you raise your next VC round.
Tips to improve your chances
- Antler funds at the earliest stage—idea or initial traction—so you do not need paying customers or significant revenue, but you should articulate a clear problem and a tech-based solution
- Team composition matters: co-founders signal commitment and reduce execution risk; solo founders are welcome but be explicit about gaps you know you have
- A pitch deck is optional but missing one weakens your application; keep it lean and focus on problem, solution, market size, and why you and your team are the right people to build it
- Antler is sector-agnostic but invests in technology; fintech, SaaS, marketplaces, and B2B solutions are typical, but AI, edtech, health tech and others also fit
- Ability to relocate to Lagos for eight weeks is non-negotiable; if you have visa or logistical concerns, clarify your status early
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a vague or missing pitch deck – the deck is optional but a weak or absent deck signals lack of preparation; include a concise deck (max 10 MB) that covers problem, solution, market and team.
- Under‑estimating the relocation requirement – many applicants assume remote participation is possible; confirm visa, housing and travel plans early to avoid disqualification.
- Presenting a solo founder without addressing skill gaps – Antler values co‑founder teams; if you are solo, clearly outline the expertise you need and how you will fill those gaps.
- Focusing on revenue instead of traction – the programme targets idea and early‑traction stages; emphasise problem validation and prototype progress rather than sales numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have a registered company or formal business to apply?
The sources do not specify. Typically, Antler will accept applications from idea-stage founders without incorporation, but you may be asked to formalise before investment. Confirm with the team after your initial application.
Can I apply solo, or do I need a co-founder?
You can apply as a solo founder. If you are in a team, you must apply together using one application form.
What happens if I am selected for the programme but Antler decides not to invest in me at the end?
The sources do not detail this. Typically, Antler invests in the strongest teams that emerge from the cohort, but not necessarily all of them. Clarify the outcome scenarios with the team if selected.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications are rolling; there is no stated deadline. You can apply at any time, but check the Antler website for the next cohort start date in Lagos.
Can I apply if I am already in a Series A or later stage?
No. Antler Nigeria's programme is explicitly for pre-seed and idea-stage founders. If you have already raised Series A capital, you are outside their remit.
Before you apply
Open the Antler Nigeria — pre-seed investment & Lagos residency listing on GrantPilot for the verified application link and deadline reminders. Check whether you qualify in two minutes with the free eligibility checker, then run your business plan through the Readiness Score to see what a reviewer would mark down.
Information checked against the programme’s own page on 4 November 2026. Programmes change their rules, so always confirm on the official page before you submit.
An experienced reviewer reads your plan or application line by line and sends written feedback within 3 working days: what is strong, what a committee will question, and what to change. ₦40,000 per document.
Every grant, loan, investor and competition you can apply for, sorted by deadline, in one PDF.
Every Monday: new grants, loans and investors you can apply for, and the ones closing soon. Free, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Prefer a PDF? Get the free 2027 Funding Calendar
Put this into practice
Search verified opportunities, score your plan and get deadline reminders — free to start.
