Antler generator sees 12 new startups bag $100,000 each

The Australian arm of startup generator Antler has announced the first 12 startups formed through the program, with each receiving $100,000 in seed investment.

The program, which launched in Sydney just eight weeks ago, invited aspiring startup founders to build new businesses in just eight weeks.

Applicants were not required to have a co-founder, any experience, or even a startup idea.

When the Antler Sydney program was announced back in March, managing partner for Australia and New Zealand Bede Moore told StartupSmart it would provide a platform to help would-be entrepreneurs find a co-founder, or offer them a better route to capital.

Antler also provides a salary of $4,000 each month for the first two months, giving prospective founders the buffer they may need to leave their current employment.

Some 71 participants were accepted into the scheme, from more than 1,000 applicants. Now, 12 startups have each secured $100,000 in investment from Antler.

“In just eight weeks, these individuals have found their co-founders, identified a problem to solve, validated their solution and built a business model,” Moore said in a statement.

“Not only that, many of these teams have already started on their MVP, made first hires and secured customers.”

In November, the 12 teams will pitch for external investment at a demo day.

Meet the startups that secured investment

1. Cauzey

An automated program for charity donation.

2. Halo Money

A startup offering customers shares when they shop at Coles, Woolworths or IGO.

3. Hollis

An online mental wellbeing coach for employees.

4. Lamno

An agency offering mini open-source tech training courses for tech companies.

5. Nuzzl

A veterinarian chat and video call service for pet parents.

6. Quicka

A fintech focused on helping small businesses get paid.

7. RecycleSmart

An app offering facts and information to make recycling easy.

8. Rensa

A platform providing increased efficiencies in private health insurance.

9. SiteHive

An Internet-of-Things construction startup.

10. StoryAntics

A startup allowing users to create personalised children’s books.

11. Upcover

An insurance provider for gig economy and freelance workers.

12. Xailient

A startup working to improve the performance and lower the costs of computer vision technology.

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