Group chooses 24 innovators for debut incubation program
Antler Launches Second Nigerian and Kenyan Cohort, Focusing on Startups from Scratch
Applications are now open for Antler's second Nigerian and Kenyan cohort, marking the expansion of the global investment network's venture-building approach in Africa. Antler's unique model is designed to help exceptional founders start companies from day zero, focusing on their fit with the problem and providing structured support for co-founder matching and idea validation.
In Nigeria, Antler's approach emphasizes "founder–problem fit" and cognitive diversity, rather than formal credentials or a fully formed startup. The program is sector-agnostic but focuses on bold ideas with a competitive edge in the African context. The eight-week in-person accelerator in Lagos helps founders build startups from the ground up by validating ideas, testing assumptions, and defining real pain points from week one.
Founders do not need to have an existing company or co-founder when they apply; those without partners are matched with complementary co-founders by the program. The selected founders typically have lived experience with the problems they want to address, and the cohort spans sectors like fintech, AI, food security, and edtech, where local context is leveraged as a competitive advantage with global potential.
Last year, Antler's Nigerian accelerator program received over 7,500 applications, with only 24 making the final cut. The top-performing teams at the end of the program receive a $100,000 pre-seed investment for a 10% stake in their company. Antler's default investment is pre-seed equity, but tailored debt offerings will be available for portfolio companies entering capital-intensive growth stages.
Antler's approach aims to remove early barriers for founders by providing capital, structure, and hands-on support. The investment network also helps founders think strategically about their capital stack, particularly in ecosystems where traditional banking remains cautious and early-stage equity is rare.
In addition to the Nigeria accelerator program, Antler is also launching its program in Kenya. Early bird tickets for Moonshot event, taking place in Lagos on October 15-16, are currently 20% off. This event offers an opportunity to connect with Antler's global network of founders, investors, and industry leaders.
Antler values "founder-problem fit" over flashy credentials and seeks cognitive diversity across technical and commercial backgrounds. This venture-building approach is set to continue breaking down barriers for exceptional founders across Africa and helping them build successful startups from the earliest stage.
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