VC investor Antler closes £20m plus early stage fund

A VC Fund, which invests in fintechs, has closed a £21.4m funding round as it looks to back 70 new UK tech firms.

Antler launched in the UK in 2019 and now has a total of 35 UK portfolio companies – 16 of which joined the portfolio in 2021. 

Its UK fund was closed with funding of £21.4m, with Antler planning to invest in around 70 firms.

The venture capital firm’s core focus is backing tech startups at early-stage, but it will now also invest in companies from pre-seed to series C.

To date, it has invested in several fintechs and its portfolio includes SAAS platform Buddywise, API provider Brick and financial services hub QuickaPay.

Antler, founded in Singapore, has offices in London, Berlin, Stockholm, New York, Singapore and Sydney. 

“With the UK fund now closed, we’re really excited to be in a stronger position to support even more young businesses,” said Ollie Purdue, partner of Antler London. 

“As we witness a real generational wealth divide, we are convinced that startups will play a key role in closing it. As such, we are investing a lot of effort and resources to close it” said Antoine Poirson, partner of Antler London

“First, by backing exceptional individuals, regardless of their background, origin, and gender. Second, by supporting our portfolio hire faster and more efficiently, giving them access to the wider Antler network.

"Third, by making investing in our funds more accessible to underrepresented groups, entrepreneurs, and women.”