What It’s Really Like Joining the Antler Australia Residency: A Q&A With a Founder Who Did It
Thinking about applying to Antler’s startup residency in Australia? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the experience — from someone who’s lived it.
Q: Why did you apply to the Antler Residency in the first place?
I was at a turning point — I had experience building tools internally in my current role and had been considering ways to bring efficiency to legal since qualification. I wanted a structure to go and validate, a stronger support network, accountability, and a potential technical co-founder. Antler appealed because it promised structure, capital, and access to a network of high-quality investors, advisors, founders and operators.
Q: What was the application process like?
It was straightforward and efficient - Antler are clear on what they are looking for. You go through interviews designed to test your thinking, founder readiness, and market insight. They’re not just looking for polished pitches — they want people who can build, iterate, and handle the early chaos of starting a company. I think this aspect is mostly tested by the first 4 weeks.
Q: How is the program structured?
The residency is typically 10 weeks, split into two phases:
Phase 1: Rapid ideation, team formation, validation
Phase 2: If selected, you get coaching to build and prep for Investment Committee where they decide whether or not to invest.
The days of the initial phase are packed with masterclasses, working sessions, and networking — but the real work happens outside the sessions, where you’re stress-testing your ideas with peers, the Antler team and potential customers.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the residency?
Finding the right co-founder under pressure. You’re essentially dating for a co-founder — speed dating, actually. And while Antler gives you tools and frameworks, it’s still emotionally and strategically tough. Saying “no”(or being told “no”) to smart people isn’t easy, but necessary.
Q: What surprised you most about the experience?
How much clarity I gained — not just about my idea, but about what I wanted from a business and from a co-founder.
Also, the caliber of people in the cohort. Even if you don’t find a partner, the conversations are worth the effort of applying. I have never felt the importance of network more than now having participated in the program. I have an amazing group of peers looking to build the future; each of whom are willing to offer their time and expertise to support each other!
Q: Did Antler help with funding?
Yes. If your team and idea make it past the internal IC (investment committee), you receive a pre-seed cheque — enough to get going and build your MVP.
Even if you don’t raise with Antler, you walk away with a sharpened pitch, a network, and potentially external investor interest.
Q: What kind of support does Antler offer after the residency?
Antler becomes a long-term partner. They help with follow-on funding, investor intros, and strategic advice. You also join the alumni network, which is a growing group of ambitious founders globally.
I have made a lot of connections having done Antler with Antler alumni - each with a different perspective.
Q: Would you do it again? Would you recommend it?
Yes — but with a caveat. I would go in with a clearer defined problem and more focus on the outcome other than funding. I wasn’t focused enough on finding a full-time co-founder and that it is a key requirement for Antler.
It’s not for everyone and I think there is a right time, right place to it. For me I think, its in-between ideation but before having a product, and team. If you’re looking for co-founders, structure, and a way to rapidly test and validate your business ideas — it’s one of the best accelerators in Australia.
Q: Any advice for someone considering applying?
Be open but decisive. You’ll meet smart people, but chemistry and values matter more than credentials. Don’t hesitate to move on a feeling initially and see if there is a match - there’s definitely a risk of analysis paralysis in the formation stage. For those are are non-technical like me I think its worth doing some due diligence on what technical skills you need.
Validate early. Get out of the building and test your idea from day one (or day 0 ;)).
Don’t chase the pitch — chase the problem. Ideas pivot, but clarity on the problem space will keep you grounded.
If you’re on the fence about applying to Antler — I say go for it. At worst, you’ll walk away with stronger founder focus. At best, you’ll build something great.