Entrepreneur First 🚀 Accelerator
Co-founder matching for individuals, an equity-free living grant, then up to $250K (8% SAFE + MFN SAFE).
| Investment | $250k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Individuals with exceptional track records, no co-founder or idea needed. EF takes 8% for $125K on a post-money SAFE, plus an optional $125K uncapped MFN SAFE; the living grant is equity-free. |
| Open in | Worldwide, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, India |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | rolling (Bangalore Feb 2027 intake: 2026-11-02) |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-15 |
About Entrepreneur First
What you get
Entrepreneur First (EF) invests in individuals before they have a co-founder or an idea. You join a 12-week FORM programme in a hub (London, Bangalore, Europe or the US) to find a co-founder and test ideas, then the strongest teams go on to a 12-week LAUNCH programme in San Francisco.
- Equity-free grant while you search: in London it is a GBP 6,000 "Talent Investment" that you do not repay; on the US "Fellowship" track it is a $10,000 equity-free grant plus three months of housing.
- Investment of up to $250,000 for teams that pass the Investment Committee: $125,000 on a post-money SAFE for 8% from EF, and an optional $125,000 uncapped MFN SAFE from EF and Transpose Platform that requires moving to San Francisco and incorporating as a Delaware C-corp.
- EF says it reserves up to $5M in follow-on and lists over $600K in partner credits.
Who qualifies
People early in their careers with outlier achievements who want to build a company aimed at the US. You do not need a co-founder or an idea. Upcoming starts on the apply site include Bangalore (February 2027, apply by 2 November 2026) and London (April 2027).
Good to know
- If you do not form a company, you owe nothing for the grant.
- If you incorporate in the UK, France or India, EF uses a local instrument (convertible loan note, BSA Air or CCPS).
Verdict
The strongest option if you are a single talented founder looking for a co-founder. 8% for $125K is pricier than YC per dollar, so weigh the matching and grant.
How to apply
- Read your hub's terms page under joinef.com/faqs/.
- Apply at apply.joinef.com for one programme in one hub at a time.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; Bangalore February 2027 asks you to apply by 2 November 2026.
- If selected, join FORM, form a team, and pitch the Investment Committee.
Who it is for
Steps Entrepreneur First helps with
Pros
- Co-founder matching before you have a team
- Equity-free living grant during the search
- Clear published SAFE terms
Cons
- 8% for the first $125K
- Second $125K needs a move to San Francisco and a Delaware C-corp
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