Antler is addressing the slowdown in UK early-stage funding by offering up to £500,000 to new ventures, focusing on founders with AI and technical expertise.
In response to a challenging fundraising environment in the United Kingdom, where securing initial capital has become increasingly slow, global early-stage venture capital firm Antler has introduced a significant funding initiative. The firm will invest up to £500,000 in promising UK-based startups from their inception, aiming to drastically shorten the funding runway for founders specializing in artificial intelligence and deep tech.
Recent data from Crunchbase indicates that the average time for a startup to raise its first $1 million has extended from 1.8 years to over three years, a delay that can stifle innovation and growth. Antler’s model is designed to counteract this trend directly.
A New Model for Early-Stage Capital
Antler‘s strategy involves an immediate deployment of £210,000. This initial sum consists of £125,000 for an 8.5% equity stake and an £85,000 convertible note. Furthermore, the firm pre-commits up to an additional £330,000 for the subsequent funding round, creating one of the most rapid capital pathways available to new founders in the UK.
In a conversation with TFN, Hannah Leach, a Partner at Antler UK, explained that the firm’s global network is a core component of its strategy. She stated that Antler operates on the principle that while talent is distributed globally, opportunity is not. The firm aims to correct this imbalance by providing a global platform for entrepreneurs. Leach added that while the model is global, its execution is local. The London-based partners have extensive experience in the UK ecosystem, including scaling companies and navigating the country’s specific regulatory and visa systems to attract top talent.
Focusing on Technical and AI Talent
The venture firm has observed a significant shift in its applicant pool. Since 2020, there has been a fourfold increase in applications from technical founders, and the number of applicants focused on AI has doubled since 2022.
Leach noted that despite some perceptions that London is lagging in AI, Antler is seeing a record number of high-caliber technical founders building AI companies in the city. A key challenge they face is differentiation, as many startups are creating similar technologies for obvious AI applications. She mentioned that Antler advises founders to target niche problems that have the potential for a global audience. Leach also pointed out that while AI coding tools enable non-technical founders to build initial products, skilled technical talent remains essential for developing production-grade software, which is why the program facilitates matching technical and non-technical co-founders.
More Than Just Funding
The next UK residency program is set to launch in London on October 7, 2025. This intensive eight-week program will bring together 80 to 100 founders to develop their products and form teams. Beyond the financial investment, participants receive access to Antler‘s global network, mentorship from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs, and startup perks valued at over £3 million.
To support startups beyond the initial stage, Antler’s Elevate fund provides £25 million for follow-on investments, ensuring a capital pathway from seed to scale. However, the program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 1%. This year, only 10 to 15 UK startups are expected to receive backing.
Commitment to Responsible and Inclusive Growth
Antler emphasizes a responsible approach to investing. Leach confirmed that the firm is a member of VentureESG and engages with founders from the very beginning on how to build sustainably by incorporating risk mitigation and ethical guardrails.
On the topic of inclusion, Leach highlighted that Antler backs founders based on their potential, not their background or connections. The firm is a signatory of the Investing in Women Code and actively supports underrepresented founders through events and partnerships with organizations such as FLINTA, Series Q, Proud Ventures, and Colour in Tech.
Updated: 29 August 2025
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