Entrepreneur First

Investment thesis

Increase the world's supply of great tech startups by investing in exceptional entrepreneurial talent before they have a business idea or team, focusing on individuals with unfair advantages who can build world-changing companies in the zero-to-one phase

Focus narrative

Entrepreneur First focuses exclusively on the zero-to-one phase, backing exceptional individuals with founder potential before they have a business idea or team. The firm invests across AI, fintech, biotech, space-tech, healthcare, SaaS, and enterprise software, with particular strength in generative AI, vertical SaaS, and deep-tech verticals.

Value beyond capital

EF provides up to $250K pre-seed investment, access to exclusive partnerships with AWS, Stripe, Vercel, OpenAI, GCP, HSBC, and HubSpot (worth $200K+), cofounder matching through 12-week FORM program, and direct access to 200+ venture partners at global Demo Days.

Program thesis

Talent investor. Backs exceptional individuals before they have a cofounder, company, or idea. Builds founding teams from scratch through a structured cofounder-matching program.

Focus narrative

EF evaluates individuals, not companies. They look for "outliers" who have done unusual things and demonstrated exceptional abilities relative to peers. Candidates are assessed on: challenges convention, drive to achieve, followership, clarity of thought, technical knowledge, and commerciality. Cohorts are composed of roughly 50% technical founders (CTOs) and 50% commercial founders (CEOs). EF helps match complementary skill sets. Strong deep tech emphasis: AI/ML, advanced materials, biotech, blockchain, quantum computing, robotics. 18 deep tech companies created in France alone in 2019.

Value and support

EF provides up to $250K in funding ($125K via post-money SAFE at 8% equity, plus $125K from Transpose Platform for SF-relocating teams). Initial talent investment of GBP 6,000 upon signing with no equity if a company isn't formed. The program runs in two 12-week phases: FORM (cofounder matching and idea development) and LAUNCH (product building and fundraising prep, SF-based). Founders get desk space, mentor access, venture partner guidance, and connections to top-tier VCs including Sequoia, a16z, and SoftBank. All companies incorporate as Delaware C-corps.

Event focus

Entrepreneurs First (EF) invests in early-stage startups and provides services that include access to co-founders, expert advice, and resources to help founders move from idea to revenue generation. The organization supports founders in various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, with a particular emphasis on the U.S. market. EF offers equity-free grants, initial investments, and follow-on funding, as well as office space and networking opportunities with prominent investors.

Format narrative

EF offers several programs, including The Fellowship, a three-month residency for early-stage founders, and AI Startup School, an immersive program for technical talent to learn about starting an AI company.

Participant value

EF provides support to early-stage founders through grants, investment opportunities, and access to a robust network, enabling them to successfully launch and grow their startups.

Editorial focus

Entrepreneurs First (EF) invests in early-stage startups by connecting exceptional individuals with potential co-founders and providing support throughout the early stages of startup development. The organization emphasizes helping founders move from idea to revenue generation, offering services such as access to co-founders, expert advice, and resources. EF operates primarily in the U.S. market and supports various sectors including technology, finance, and healthcare.

Audience value

EF offers a unique opportunity for founders to connect with co-founders and receive comprehensive support in the early stages of their startups, facilitating their journey from concept to revenue.