Antler Nigeria – 2025

Build your start-up in 8 weeks —with Antler in Nigeria! From day zero, we support and mentor founders driving innovation forward.

Who is Antler in Nigeria for?

We’re looking for people committed to turning their ambitious ideas into game-changing businesses. We work with founders regardless of background or geography—from experienced business operators to technologists and entrepreneurs. Whether you’ve just started building, but haven’t yet raised capital; you’ve got an idea and are thinking about getting started, but haven’t quite made the leap; or you don’t have an idea but are determined to be an entrepreneur, Antler is the right place for you to bring your idea to life. We accept applications from individuals and teams.

For Individuals

Looking for a co-founder?
Start Date: June 2025

Are you an individual ready to start something new, and looking for the right co-founder?

Antler brings together an exclusive group of ambitious people to explore ideas together in an 8 week in-person program in Lagos. Meet, learn, and co-create with exceptional builders. Post program, our fund can invest $100k for 10% in teams that pass the Antler Investment Committee. To support in a tough funding environment, we also make available an additional $100k to match your next investor ticket and terms.

Join us to turn your startup vision into reality!

For Teams

Already have the dream team?
Start Date: Rolling Intake

Early-stage teams with an MVP or early customer validation are welcome to apply to Antler for direct investment into their ongoing Pre-Seed or early Seed rounds. Antler in Nigeria works with early stage startup teams to rapidly gain traction through coaching and networking. If you are a team building an early product, or have just launched your MVP, or seeking an additional co-founder, you are welcome to apply. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Antler can join your ongoing pre-seed / early seed round with $100-400K tickets at a negotiated valuation.

What to expect once you join Antler in Nigeria

While all Antler programs are similar, each location takes a tailored approach to ensure founders have the greatest chance of success. If you are a founder at the idea stage, Antler programs in Nigeria run for 8 weeks where founders join the community to build a brand new startup from scratch (see details below). We also offer investment for early-stage startups following an individualized timeline and path.

Team formation, ideation, and validation

This stage of the program lasts 5 weeks and will consist of elements including:

1. Social events and team-building activities to help you identify possible co-founders you like to work with in the community
2. Masterclasses and speaker sessions covering highly relevant topics for your startup journey (e.g., unit economics, fundraising best practices, and growth hacking.)
3. Team sprints to push your ideation and innovation
4. Regular speaker sessions on interesting topics for entrepreneurs
5. Weekly touch points with coaching from the Antler team
6. VC meetups that will allow you to build relationships and challenge your ideas
7. Peer support and regular feedback from your fellow community members

Sharpening your value proposition

1. During this 3 week stage of the program, you will dedicate your full-time efforts to refine your idea and business model, with strong customer focus and interaction. You sharpen up the details of your business plan, and start preparing for the Antler Investment Committee (IC). This stage of the program will consist of elements including:
2. Weekly coaching sessions with a dedicated coach from the Antler team and support from our venture partners and local network of industry experts
3. Legal advisory sessions (with lawyers) to refine your idea and business model in light of regulatory requirements and constraints
4. Advice and support in identifying additional team members to fill critical skill gaps in your founding team structure (if required)
5. Weekly pitch training sessions with feedback from the Antler team and fellow founders
6. Targeted pitch deck reviews, Q&A sessions, and pitch trainings ahead of IC

Pitch to Antler’s Investment Committee

At the end of the program, teams deemed ready will pitch to our Investment Committee (IC). The IC votes on which teams receive an investment.

The investment

For those in the residency program
Post program, our fund can invest $100k for 10% in teams that pass the Antler Investment Committee. To support in a tough funding environment, we also make available an additional $100k to match your next investor ticket and terms.

For those with existing startups
Antler can join your ongoing pre-seed / early seed round with $100-400K tickets at a negotiated valuation.

The application process

The application process takes about 2-3 weeks to complete. Once you apply, our scouting team will guide you through the entire process and will be available to answer all your questions.

If applying as an individual, submit your application on antler.co/apply using your LinkedIn URL or CV.

If applying with an existing early-stage startup, you apply as a team and include your pitch deck along with a CV or LinkedIn URL for your co-founder(s) if any.

– For Individual Applicants (No existing start-up)

Initial Alignment and Drive Interview

After reviewing your application, one of our scouting team members will conduct a 30-minute interview. This session assesses your drive, motivations, and alignment with the program to determine if Antler is the right fit for you and vice versa. Be prepared to share:

• Why you’re applying to Antler.
• Why now is the right time for you.
• What unique qualities and experiences you bring to the table.

Partner Interview

The next stage is an in-depth interview with one of our partners. Depending on your profile, this will involve either a technical or business problem-solving discussion. Specific instructions will be shared beforehand, so you’ll know what to prepare for.

Coffee Chat

This final-round assessment is a 1-hour conversation designed to explore your leadership qualities and overall alignment with Antler’s vision. It’s an opportunity for us to understand your journey and leadership style in a more casual setting.

– For Existing Start-ups

Pitch Interview

If you are applying with an existing startup, you may be shortlisted (based on your pitchdeck) to present your pitch on a call or in-person. When shortlisted, be prepared to:

Share your pitch deck or demo your MVP (if available)

Answer questions about the idea, team, and vision

We’ll also use this time to ask questions about the idea and the team, but also to answer your burning questions on what a collaboration with—and ultimately an investment from—Antler could look like.