--- title: "Antler Sprint: China Edition" description: Join Antler's Shanghai Edition sprint to scale your startup, access global networks, and secure funding, while building the next generation of technology. image: https://content.antler.co/hubfs/Social%20Image%20CN%20Sprint%20600x350.png --- ![Top-Banner-1](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Top-Banner-1.png?width=2000&height=182&name=Top-Banner-1.png "Top-Banner-1") # Antler Sprint: Shanghai Edition TAKE FRONT-TIER TECHNOLOGY TO THE WORLD Antler comes to China for the first time. Four weeks in Shanghai for founders building the next generation of global technology companies. [![\Apply\\\\](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143614254/interactive-486025610448.png)](https://content.antler.co/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIzs1KXG89zsYwkmJdlIHPYIE5D6Eno281TGmGG1GJel3240djDnOf%2BAJiqqz3eXrr9B41WJauAvb2jCRnTwWa8NlHxlhuPoO4EBuUwm5dXhVCS87bVpuLp2FOr0%2F4b0bsJrpapzwq2cHrjjXjqJQ3F0mMH8lPw0QiSGlpqKi18JmkNDVFk2ZGrZKxwl7XXkETGyF5iAfxA704AhA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=486025610448&portalId=143614254&hsLang=en) ##### Antler is a global early-stage VC investing in the world's best founders from first check to IPO. WE BUILD AND SCALE CATEGORY-DEFINING COMPANIES GLOBALLY ##### 2,000+ Portfolio companies ##### 27 cities worldwide ##### 12,000+ Global founder community ##### 2018 investing since ![Frame 2845](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202845.png?width=624&height=719&name=Frame%202845.png "Frame 2845") Get direct access to Antler's global network of founders, introductions to customers, partners, and investors across 27 locations ![Frame 2846](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202846.png?width=624&height=719&name=Frame%202846.png "Frame 2846") Antler has backed founders across the globe since 2018. The Shanghai Edition is the first Antler sprint in China, connecting the cohort directly to that global platform. ![Frame 2847](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202847.png?width=624&height=719&name=Frame%202847.png "Frame 2847") We support your journey to set up your base abroad, including in Singapore, giving you a structure that works for scaling and fundraising worldwide. ![Frame 2848](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202848.png?width=624&height=719&name=Frame%202848.png "Frame 2848") Invested companies can join the Antler US Immersion program to secure US traction, raise capital, and access the network they actually need to land and expand. [![\Apply\\\\](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143614254/interactive-486025610448.png)](https://content.antler.co/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIzs1KXG89zsYwkmJdlIHPYIE5D6Eno281TGmGG1GJel3240djDnOf%2BAJiqqz3eXrr9B41WJauAvb2jCRnTwWa8NlHxlhuPoO4EBuUwm5dXhVCS87bVpuLp2FOr0%2F4b0bsJrpapzwq2cHrjjXjqJQ3F0mMH8lPw0QiSGlpqKi18JmkNDVFk2ZGrZKxwl7XXkETGyF5iAfxA704AhA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=486025610448&portalId=143614254&hsLang=en) ### How to apply Your path to global scale starts here. Converse with our guided AI conversation through voice chat. The process is simple, fast, and designed to help us get to know you and your startup quickly.  Answer dynamic, personalized questions about your product, traction, and growth plans in real-time, for about 30 minutes. 👉 *Pro tip: Be prepared to upload your pitch deck and share a link to a demo video.* [![\Apply with AI\\\\](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143614254/interactive-272255542518.png)](https://content.antler.co/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL%2BnHl1Y%2BrgotVjSl8AVk1BQSeSBAazk12jLk59nRbJBKKI%2Fj0cbShIuggcHo0EbdecPydZvlwbSRDNoJQrAG%2BNeCbbosOwE%2ForAhYxZ%2F5his0rGKVRjTU4zSnleElGxrkTw%2Bhf0%2FJTHrVKiO7qSluEnM8a3LXC5XKSfEFf%2BfwILar3s7vb6PTN5U1s5KmdP1jCF3wKSG%2FDCYqFDDkQJ%2BXtM0AK1YUGQjrpekbHW%2FQVvUSfmGBA4SjFNhf0nHqWBd9VzDQyVUw8kEa3EL%2BWrWF7brsqXWI7zp%2F1gmjmSQOLcYpZlL7Y8zrr0iXV4yfXf7uc&webInteractiveContentId=272255542518&portalId=143614254&hsLang=en) ![Frame 2872-1](https://content.antler.co/hubfs/Frame%202872-1.png "Frame 2872-1") ### Shanghai Sprint Themes ### WHAT WE WANT TO BACK ##### These are the six opportunities we are particularly excited about. Real problems, real buyers, and a result you can measure. ##### Surprise us with the seventh. ##### 1. AI that Drives Compute Efficiency **AI systems that choose the right model and execution path for each job**, then prove they lower the total cost of a successful outcome without sacrificing quality, speed, security or control. We want to back **model-agnostic AI startups that make live systems measurable, reliable and governable.** A token dashboard, a single-provider router or a generic trace viewer is not enough. ##### 2. Factories That Catch Problems Before They Stop the Line AI that turns the data a factory already has into **earlier warnings, clearer root causes and approved actions** that prevent scrap, downtime, quality holds and missed output. We back **agentic solutions that help a manufacturer or a plant** act earlier on a real operational loss, working with the equipment and systems they already run. ##### 3. The Supply Chain That Sees the Exception First AI that finds the exception **hidden** across supplier messages, ERP records, freight events, invoices and trade documents, then routes the right approved action before it becomes a stockout, delay, compliance failure or wasted spend. We back startups that make **complex commercial operations easier to run**, helping teams spot problems earlier, understand what needs attention, and move the right action forward across **procurement, logistics, trade and payments.** Show all... ##### 4. The Right-hand for Domain Experts AI that lets **high-value professionals work** through complex case files dramatically faster by finding the evidence, comparing the details, drafting the first answer and showing what still needs human judgment. We back **AI workbenches in domains where accuracy matters and a human remains responsible**: technical, regulatory, scientific, legal-adjacent, financial, claims and cross-border work. The product must make the expert more capable. ##### 5. The Software Layer That Makes Robots Useful at Scale Software that helps existing robots and emerging humanoids **learn real tasks, prove they are safe, recover from failure** and keep operating in messy physical environments. We want to back startups tied to a **clear physical task and operating result:** fewer robot-stop minutes, safer rollout, faster recovery, more throughput or less human intervention. ##### 6. The Creator Supply Chain AI systems that turn one approved creative idea into **rights-safe, culturally relevant and commercially measurable work** across platforms, without losing the creator's identity, control or share of the value. We back platform-neutral systems that help creators, brands and media businesses create, distribute and monetize work across changing platforms. A single-platform AI editing feature is not enough. Show all... ### 7. And the AI implementation nobody else has thought of yet. A weird yet obvious-in-hindsight product that makes people ask, "Why didn't I think of that?" ##### Build with a community of global builders and investors Our Previous Speakers and Founders [![Testimonial-Terry](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Terry.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Terry.png "Testimonial-Terry")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrychoutszmei/) [![Testimonial-Kaiwen](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Kaiwen.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Kaiwen.png "Testimonial-Kaiwen")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiwenli) [![Testimonial-Jeff](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Jeff.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Jeff.png "Testimonial-Jeff")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypaine/) [![Testimonial-Steven](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Steven.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Steven.png "Testimonial-Steven")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhitao-gao/) [![Testimonial-Pixverse](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Pixverse.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Pixverse.png "Testimonial-Pixverse")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadenxie/) [![Testimonial-Yuchao](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Yuchao.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Yuchao.png "Testimonial-Yuchao")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuchao-luo/) [![Testimonial-Kuse](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Kuse.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Kuse.png "Testimonial-Kuse")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuhao-xu/) [![Testimonial-Lawrence](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Testimonial-Lawrence.png?width=538&height=719&name=Testimonial-Lawrence.png "Testimonial-Lawrence")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yue-lawrence-xu/) ### Our portfolio of unicorns and global category-leaders ![Screenshot 2026-10-07 at 18.03.27](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-10-07%20at%2018.03.27.png?width=2000&height=642&name=Screenshot%202026-10-07%20at%2018.03.27.png "Screenshot 2026-10-07 at 18.03.27") ##### The Sprint What to expect in the 4 weeks ![Frame 2850-1](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202850-1.png?width=1237&height=343&name=Frame%202850-1.png "Frame 2850-1") Antler Sprint: Shanghai Edition is a 4-week, full-time, in-person sprint in Shanghai, kicking off on 26 November 2026. Build with confidence. Direct 1:1 work with Antler Partners, plus a 600-strong advisor network, warm introductions to customers, partners and investors.  ![Frame 2849-1](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202849-1.png?width=1237&height=343&name=Frame%202849-1.png "Frame 2849-1") You receive $150K at the end of the sprint, with a further $250K committed at your next milestone, for a total of $400K early-stage funding.\* No program fee. The full investment is yours to deploy. $2M+ in AI credits and perks from acceptance, regardless of the investment outcome. ![Frame 2851](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/Frame%202851.png?width=1237&height=343&name=Frame%202851.png "Frame 2851") A route into the US market. Invested companies can join the Antler US Immersion program focused on gaining US traction and capital. A long-term capital partner. Follow-on investment and up to $25M through Antler Elevate, our global growth fund. --- ##### \*The investment is structured with $100K for 10% equity and $50K via uncapped SAFE with an MFN clause, designed to give you flexibility in your next priced round. An additional $250K is committed via ARC (Agreement for Rolling Capital), ready to be deployed within the next 9 months following the initial investment, activated when you raise your next institutional round. ![IMG\_0090 3](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CNI/IMG_0090%203.jpg?width=2000&height=872&name=IMG_0090%203.jpg "IMG_0090 3") ### Powering you with world-class perks Gain exclusive access to top-tier AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and technical resources from leading partners. From GPU credits to advanced AI tooling, worth $2M+ from the first day, giving you the edge to build, and scale faster.  ![Frame 2753](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Frame%202753.png?width=1525&height=282&name=Frame%202753.png "Frame 2753") ##### Here's what you need to know. ### Frequently Asked Questions ##### Who should apply? - **The sprint would best benefit teams at early stage.** You have a working MVP and early evidence that people want it, whether that is users, revenue, a pilot or a signed letter of intent. - Idea-stage teams who are still exploring what they can build are not the right fit for this cohort. - Solo founders are welcome, while we prefer teams of two or more, who tend to move faster. - **English** is the working language of the sprint, enabling overseas commercial plans and fundraising. ##### What does Antler look out for? Antler selects teams who already operate like early-stage founders: fast, disciplined and able to turn ambiguity into momentum. We evaluate tangible signals of velocity and execution, not intent. We look for teams who demonstrate: **1. Evidence of recent execution:** You have shipped, tested or validated something in the last weeks or months. **2. Real customer interaction:** Interviews, waitlist, usage data, pilots or demand signals. **3. Sharp problem and customer clarity:** You understand the space well enough to run high-quality experiments. **4. Strong team dynamics:** Complementary skills and the ability to operate at the same pace under pressure. **5. A founder spike:** A capability or insight that gives your team a meaningful edge in the space. We assess you based on what you do, not what you plan to do. ##### How long does it take to get a final result after I apply? **One to two weeks from application.**   After you submit, our Partners read every application before proceeding for a first call.   If you are selected to move forward, we will invite you to a 30-minute call with a member of the Antler team to answer your questions and clarify anything unclear in your application. Then a conversation with an Antler Partner before a final decision.   If we offer you a spot in the sprint, we will send you an MOU (memorandum of understanding) for you to read before signing. After signing the MOU, you will start onboarding, aligning on your goals for the four weeks, set your milestones, and you can claim your perks after that.   We move fast on purpose, and we tell you either way. You will not be left guessing where you stand. ##### Do I need to join the sprint in-person? Yes, Antler's sprint is an **in-person, high-intensity program** designed for rapid execution and growth. After the sprint, we invest in companies incorporated in Singapore or the US (Delaware). The location of the sprint doesn't restrict where you build or scale. Founders must be fully committed and physically present for: - **Working 1-1 with our Partners,** whichprovides deeper engagement with technical and business advisors. - **Investor introductions and networking opportunities** are best done in person. - **Hands-on collaboration with fellow founders** fosters knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and fast problem-solving in ways remote programs can’t match. This immersive approach is what sets Antler apart. It’s about speed, access, and execution in a condensed, high-impact environment that remote collaboration cannot replicate. ##### What perks do participating startups get? Founders accepted to the residency gain access to exclusive perks and technical resources to accelerate development. These include: - GPU, inference, and fine-tuning credits to optimize AI model training and deployment. - Cloud computing credits from providers such as AWS, GCP, Azure, and NVIDIA. - Exclusive access to AI infrastructure partners, including OpenAI and Nebius, offering early access to cutting-edge models, APIs, and training programs. - Discounts and credits for AI-focused infrastructure, such as vector databases and ML optimization platforms. - Networking with global AI leaders and technical experts through Antler’s ecosystem. Access to the $2M+ perks are provided at the start of the program, ensuring founders have the tools and support needed to build, scale, and refine their products from day one. ##### Where should my company be incorporated? Singapore is our preferred jurisdiction. It's legally friendly for both Chinese and Western founders and investors, globally recognized and designed to pass deeper scrutiny during due diligence in future fundraising regardless of where your investors are based.   We also accept US (Delaware) entities. If you're incorporated solely in China, not yet incorporated or need to restructure, we'll assist you in setting up the right entity as part of the sprint. ##### What happens after the sprint ends? Antler is designed as a long-term capital partnership beyond the 4 weeks, ensuring founders continue to benefit from our ecosystem even after the program ends: - **Follow-on funding:**  We continuously invest into your subsequent rounds as you scale with our follow-on funding and through Antler Elevate, our global growth fund. - **Investor access:** You’ll be plugged into Antler's global network of top VCs and strategic investors keen to back AI-first startups. - **Continued mentorship:** Ongoing support from the Antler team and fellow founders in our network. - **Community & resources:** You’ll remain connected to an exclusive group of AI founders, gaining access to more tools, perks, and networking opportunities to help you scale. We don’t just invest in companies, we partner with founders for the long term. ##### Can I apply if I've already raised funding? Yes, but startups should not be overfunded prior to completing the sprint. Antler is designed for early-stage teams (pre-seed to early traction) that will benefit from structured funding and program support. If you’ve already raised capital, we’ll evaluate your application based on: - Whether you’re still at a stage where Antler can provide meaningful progress. - If your company’s valuation remains in line with early-stage investment principles. If your startup has raised substantial funding prior, or is already operating at a later stage, this program may not be the best fit. Show all... [![Antler-dark](https://content.antler.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Antler-dark.png?width=108&height=26&name=Antler-dark.png)](http://www.antler.co/) © 2026 Antler. All right reserved.