From Near Miss to New Insights: My Antler VC Journey and Tips for Application Success

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By Donovan Forrest

You know the business idea I’ve been nurturing since the first week of October? The one about creating an online marketplace for specialized substitute teachers? Yes, the project I’ve been diligently working on since before the leaves deserted the trees, and we found ourselves scraping frost off our cars, racing against the clock to avoid being late for work. Here’s a tale about our latest encounter with a VC firm you’re likely familiar with in the startup arena: Antler.

I want to clarify that my intention is not to disparage the company — quite the contrary. Here’s a brief account of our journey, which began two weeks ago.

So, on numerous weeknights, you could find me deep in research at Penn’s flagship library. My daily ritual involved searching for accelerators to apply to, a critical step in finding resources to launch our venture. That’s when I stumbled upon an opportunity to become a founder in residence in NYC. Without hesitation, I applied and, in less than 24 hours, received an email inviting me for a first-round interview!

As I strolled to pick up my Papa John’s Pizza, I couldn’t help but excitedly beam, murmuring to myself, “Let’s gooo.” Over the next two weeks, I meticulously prepared, fantasized about my life in NYC, and even attended an AMA Webinar that attracted over 5,000 aspiring entrepreneurs. Despite being acutely aware of the stiff competition, I took my shot, driven by the belief that starting a business requires not just resources but unwavering courage.

Two weeks later, I found myself on a Google Meet call, sporting my company’s polo shirt, the camera angled to conceal a recent coffee spill on my pristine white polo. Despite the mishap, I was overjoyed. After five minutes of the interview, an email arrived, advancing me to the second round. I was ecstatic; my dream seemed within grasp. I hastily scheduled my second interview, eager to demonstrate my worth.

The subsequent interview with an Antler partner and investor took an unexpected turn, but I exerted my best effort. Rather than encountering the stringent corporate interviewer with a flat personality that I anticipated, who solely focused on our business model, competitors, and MVP, I found myself fielding questions about my identity and past professional weaknesses. For instance, they asked me to share a professional weakness. Eeek.

Furthermore, I was tasked with teaching something in less than 3 minutes and chose to introduce the difference between a Prescriptive and Developmental mentor.

Contrary to my expectations, the interviewer greeted me warmly and exhibited kindness throughout. They offered positive reinforcement for the “noble” work I had dedicated myself to as a founder and educator.

Following our 25-minute conversation, I dispatched a follow-up email to express my gratitude and highlight how the residency could amplify our impact. However, the absence of a prompt reply dimmed my hopes for an offer. In the fast-paced VC world, a delayed response often signifies dwindling chances.

This narrative isn’t borne from discouragement but aims to guide others through their application process. Securing an interview at a firm with a 2% acceptance rate is an achievement. It’s like getting a second-round interview at Harvard Law School.

Here are some tips to aid your preparation if you’re at the helm of an early-stage startup applying to Antler’s Founder in Residence Program:

1. Know Yourself: It might be trite, but grasping your identity beyond your professional veneer is essential. Partners are eager to delve into your personal world — your unique talents, hobbies, and passions. A multifaceted founder is a prized asset.
2. Value Their Time: A meeting with a VC Partner isn’t a leisurely dinner date with time for a stroll in Central Park. You have, at most, 25–30 minutes to make an impression. Be succinct and direct. Stray anecdotes about the latest episode of ‘Love is Blind’ won’t do the trick, no matter how amusing they might be.
3. Master Your Financials: Familiarize yourself with how your concept will generate significant revenue, right down to a hypothetical profit and loss statement for an average week in your startup’s lifecycle.
4. Dream Big AF: When queried about your ultimate vision for your startup, respond with unbridled ambition. Imagine your business scaling global heights, resonating with the VC ethos that the world is a stage set for capitalist ventures.

That’s all from me. Remember, you’ve got this!