Global early-stage investor Antler has committed almost £1 million to eight emerging UK tech startups, reinforcing its confidence in Britain’s vibrant startup ecosystem. The investment follows Antler’s latest London residency program, which saw a record-breaking 5,000 aspiring founders apply — the highest number since the VC firm’s UK debut four years ago.
London remains a powerhouse in Europe’s tech scene. As of early 2025, the city’s tech ecosystem is valued at a staggering $625.1 billion, home to 43 unicorns. This growth cements London’s position alongside Silicon Valley and New York as a global tech hub. The UK’s broader innovation ecosystem is also thriving, boasting a combined enterprise value of $1.2 trillion — a 20% rise from 2023 and an impressive ninefold increase over the past decade.
Antler partner Adam French emphasized the UK’s global standing, particularly in AI. “The UK is now the world’s third-largest tech ecosystem and a magnet for AI innovation. London continues to attract top AI founders, tapping into world-class talent to build scalable, cutting-edge tools. We’re thrilled to support the next wave of AI entrepreneurs shaping the future right here.”
Antler’s London Residency: A Selective Launchpad for AI-Driven Startups
The firm’s latest London cohort was its biggest and most selective to date. Out of thousands of applications, only 85 founders made the cut — fewer than 2%. True to its founder-first approach, Antler takes no equity and charges no fees during the program. Instead, the VC spends 6 to 8 weeks rigorously evaluating the founders before deciding where to invest.
The eight startups emerging from this process are already turning heads. Each leverages AI to solve complex problems across industries like healthtech, edtech, proptech, fintech, and cybersecurity — a reflection of the UK’s growing appetite for AI-driven solutions. Private investment in UK tech has reached new heights, with around £200 million pouring into the sector daily since mid-2024.
AI Innovation at the Core of Antler’s Latest Portfolio
Sarah Finegan, Antler’s Associate Partner, highlighted the caliber of this year’s startups: “These founders aren’t just building AI tools — they’re solving real problems they’ve experienced firsthand. Many bring deep domain expertise, allowing them to develop highly targeted, efficient solutions. That’s exactly what we look for — relentless founders with technical and industry knowledge who move fast and attract top talent.”
Among the standout sectors is healthcare, where three startups are already making waves. One is building AI to automate regulatory compliance for MedTech companies. Another is streamlining healthcare admin for doctors, while a third enhances learning platforms tailored for medical professionals.
Cybersecurity is also in focus, with one startup developing a real-time AI assistant to help people navigate cyber attacks. Meanwhile, foodtech startup Pesto is using AI to optimize supply chains in food manufacturing, giving companies insights into ingredient availability and costs — a critical tool amid ongoing supply chain challenges.
This diverse mix of applications underscores AI’s deepening role across industries.
Spotlight on Founders: Backing Experienced Leaders
Antler’s latest investments spotlight a new generation of UK tech leaders. Among them is Kate Hofman, co-founder of Pesto. With a strong track record — including building GrowUp Farms, a vertical farming venture that secured £100 million — Hofman brings both vision and execution experience. She was also recognized as one of the UK’s top ten most influential women in foodtech.
Seven of the eight funded startups are now publicly known: Klaris (healthtech), Pesto (B2B software), Praktiki (healthtech/edtech), Synthax (healthtech), Stay Liquid (fintech), Fortyx (cybersecurity), and FixoAI (proptech). One startup remains in stealth mode.
Finegan added, “The blend of real-world experience and technical know-how means these founders can move quickly from concept to product. They understand their markets and have what it takes to scale fast.”
Antler’s Investment Strategy: Rigorous Due Diligence and a Focus on Diversity
Antler’s decision to invest begins from the first interview and continues through the entire residency. Finegan explained, “Beyond market size and product potential, we invest in the founders themselves. Can they perform under pressure? How fast can they execute? Do they pivot when needed? Those answers guide our decisions.”
After securing Antler’s backing, startups gain access to a global network of founders, investors, and operators. Antler stays hands-on, providing tailored support in areas like fundraising, revenue growth, marketing, and product development. Their team’s entrepreneurial experience ensures founders get actionable advice from people who have been in their shoes.
Diversity remains a core priority. Antler aims for 30% women founders in each cohort and uses structured interviews to minimize bias. Finegan stressed, “We know talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing founders from underrepresented communities.”
UK Early-Stage Tech Investment Holds Steady Amid Market Uncertainty
Antler’s latest investment round — just shy of £1 million — surpasses its Spring 2024 commitment of £840,000 across seven UK pre-seed startups. The year-on-year growth signals cautious optimism in the UK’s early-stage market despite global economic challenges.
Back in October 2022, Antler deployed £960,000 into eight UK startups. This steady investment pace shows Antler’s long-term belief in the UK’s potential, even as other VCs scale back amid uncertainty.
Ultimately, Antler’s targeted bets on AI-native startups reflect a sophisticated investment strategy — backing founders and technologies positioned at the heart of the UK’s booming AI landscape. Their continued confidence in the UK signals that, even in volatile times, Britain remains a breeding ground for world-class tech ventures.
