Antler VC Funding: A Founder’s Guide to Winning Pitch

Thinking about raising from Antler VC — or already applied but haven’t heard back? You’re definitely not the only one. Every year, thousands of founders across Southeast Asia (and beyond) take their shot. But with limited spots and a highly selective process, only a small fraction actually make it through.

So how can you rise above the noise and land a spot?

As a trusted partner of Antler, we’ve supported many early-stage founders through the process, and we’ve seen what works. Today, we’ve put together this quick playbook—real tips, proven practices, and insider know-how to help you apply with more confidence and a clearer path to joining Antler’s inner circle.

Why Antler Stands Out in VC Funding for Early-Stage Founders

If you’re an early-stage founder in Southeast Asia, you already know the startup journey is a wild ride—equal parts thrilling and terrifying. You’ve got a big idea, maybe a co-founder or two, and a burning desire to make a dent in the universe. But let’s be real: getting that first cheque (and the right support) can feel like searching for a unicorn in a haystack.

That’s where Antler comes in. Antler isn’t just another VC firm. It’s a global early-stage investor and startup generator that’s become a launchpad for some of the region’s most exciting startups. If you’re looking for more than just money—think mentorship, a global network, and a community that’s got your back—Antler should be at the top of your list.

So, what makes Antler stand out?

With presence in over 30 cities (including Singapore, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City), they’re plugged into the heart of Southeast Asia’s tech scene. But it’s not just about geography. Antler’s approach is founder-first, hands-on, and refreshingly real. They don’t just write cheques and disappear—they roll up their sleeves and build alongside you.

What Founders Get Beyond the Money

Here’s the thing: Antler invests at the very beginning—sometimes before you even have a company. If you join their program, you’ll get a structured environment to find co-founders, validate your idea, and build your MVP. But the real magic? Weekly mentorship, access to a global network of experts, and intros to future investors. As Antler puts it in their own words, they’re “building alongside you, not just betting on you.”

If you want more than just a cheque—if you want a partner who’ll help you de-risk your journey, accelerate your growth, and open doors around the world—Antler is for you. They invest in people, not just ideas. So even if you’re a solo founder or still figuring out your business model, you can find a home here.

Proven Practices for Navigating Antler VC’s Selection and Funding Process

Let’s get practical. Antler gets thousands of applications, but only a handful make the cut. What separates the “maybes” from the “hell yes”? Here’s what you need to know, straight from Antler’s own playbook and the founders who’ve been there.

1. Your Pre-Seed Pitch Deck: Make It Unforgettable

Your pitch deck is your golden ticket. Antler has a killer guide on what works, but here’s the gist:

Problem & Solution: Don’t just describe the problem—make us feel it. Why does it matter? Why is your solution the one that changes the game?
Market Opportunity: Show you’re thinking big. Use real data to prove there’s a hungry market out there.
Team: Investors bet on people. Highlight your team’s superpowers, relevant experience, and why you’re the ones to pull this off. Solo founder? No problem—just show your expertise and your plan to build a dream team.
Business Model: How will you make money? Even if it’s early, show you’ve thought about it.
Traction: Any proof that people want what you’re building—users, pilots, letters of intent—counts.
Vision: Paint a picture of what your startup could become in five or ten years. Make us believe.

Want more? Dive into Antler’s Pre-Seed Pitch Deck Guide and DocSend’s deep dive.

2. Fundraising: It’s a Relationship, Not a Transaction

Raising money isn’t just about the pitch—it’s about building trust. Antler’s fundraising tips are gold:

Start Early: Don’t wait until you’re desperate for cash. Build relationships with Antler’s team, show up at their events, and ask for feedback.
Tell Your Story: Investors want to know why you care. Connect your personal journey to the problem you’re solving.
Show Your Numbers: Even if you’re pre-revenue, track and share key metrics—user growth, engagement, retention. Numbers tell a story.
Be Resilient: Fundraising is tough. You’ll hear “no” a lot. Take feedback, iterate, and keep going.

Check out Antler’s Startup Fundraising Tips for more.

3. Tap Into Antler’s Network—It’s a Superpower

One of the best things about Antler? The people you’ll meet. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Mentorship: Antler connects you with seasoned operators, industry experts, and founders who’ve been in your shoes. Don’t be shy—ask for advice, build relationships.
Peer Learning: You’ll be surrounded by other ambitious founders. Share your wins, your struggles, and learn from each other.
Follow-On Funding: Antler has a strong track record of helping startups raise their next rounds. Over 70% of their portfolio companies go on to raise more capital (source).

4. The Selection Process: What to Expect

Getting into Antler isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Here’s how it works:

Application: Fill out the online form. Be honest, be bold, and show what makes you unique.
Interviews: If you’re shortlisted, you’ll have a few rounds of interviews. Be ready to talk about your vision, your market, and your personal story.
The Program: If you’re in, you’ll join a cohort of founders for an intense program that ends with Demo Day—your chance to pitch to Antler’s investment committee and a room full of investors.

Want to know what Antler looks for? Check out their selection criteria.

Founder Spotlight: Airalo—From Struggling Entrepreneur to Global Success

Let’s bring this to life with a real story. Meet Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store for travelers—and one of Antler’s biggest success stories.

Who is Airalo?

Founded in 2019, Airalo solves a problem every traveler knows: expensive, annoying mobile roaming. Their solution? Affordable eSIMs you can activate instantly in over 200 countries. Today, Airalo is used by millions of travelers and has raised over $67 million (read more).

How Antler Helped Airalo Take Off

Airalo’s founders, Bahadir Ozdemir and Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, say Antler was a game-changer. In their own words:

“From the start, Antler, which is participating in the growth round, has played a key role in securing Airalo the funding it needs to grow. A shout-out to Jussi Salovaara [Antler managing partner in SEA]. He held my hand when I was a struggling entrepreneur, mentored me every week, and introduced us to our seed, series A, and series B investors.”

That’s the Antler difference: real mentorship, real connections, and support that goes way beyond the cheque.

What’s Next for Airalo?

Airalo is riding a wave of growth. According to a 2025 industry survey, eSIM adoption is exploding, and Airalo is leading the charge. Their story proves that with the right support, Southeast Asian founders can build global, category-defining companies.

Want to dig deeper? Here are some must-read resources:

Ready to Raise? Get a Head Start with Capital JDI’s Support

We all know Antler VC sets a high bar for its portfolio—but with the right preparation, you absolutely can meet (and exceed) it.

At Capital JDI, whether you’re a solo founder with a bold idea or a small team getting ready for your first raise, we’re here to help you:

Polish your Antler application and pitch deck
Navigate Antler’s selection process with insights from successful applicants
Build a complete, investor-ready data room to streamline due diligence
Refine your fundraising strategy and accelerate your growth trajectory

And that’s just the start. If you’re curious how we can support you, book a free 1-on-1 chat with Capital JDI’s fundraising team—we’d love to hear about what you’re building.