22/08/2019

Gilbert + Tobin is delighted to be collaborating with Antler, a global start-up generator and early-stage VC fund, on its inaugural Sydney program involving 12 start-ups. 

The program, the first of its kind in Australia, started in June with 70 individuals from a range of technical and commercial backgrounds. Of a total of 31 teams formed in the program over the last two months, only 12 start-ups secured Antler’s investment of $100,000 in pre-seed funding. The teams, consisting of 2-3 founders, will continue in the program for an additional four months with the aim to secure external seed investment.

In just eight weeks, these companies have formed teams, validated ideas and launched businesses, some of which already have MVPs, first customers and revenue. The startups span Fintech, InsureTech, Deep Tech and various other industries, and are led by experts from commercial, technical and domain backgrounds.

In Sydney alone, Antler aims to enable 800 founders to create 200 new businesses and 4,000 jobs over the next four years. 

G+T partner and head of Fintech practice Peter Reeves is leading G+T’s collaboration with Antler. Peter is widely regarded as a leader in the emerging Fintech market with extensive experience establishing, structuring and operating financial services sector businesses, including neobanks, in Australia. Deborah Johns, a partner in the Corporate Advisory Group is also involved in this collaboration. Deborah advises on corporate and commercial transactions, with a special focus on venture capital.

“We are excited to be working with Antler, which through its global brand has attracted top candidates in their fields and has brought them together to create exceptional start-up businesses such as the four we saw present tonight. We look forward to continuing work with Antler on this program and the next stage of commercialisation and funding” said Peter Reeves on Tuesday.

Antler is equally thrilled with the partnership with Partner Anthony Millet saying, “We are delighted to partner with law firm Gilbert + Tobin on the Sydney program. The firm's legal expertise coupled with its entrepreneurial approach aligns with Antler’s mission to enable exceptional individuals to launch great companies which will go on to foster the next wave of tech globally.”

On Tuesday night, the partnership kicked off with an Antler investor event at G+T’s Barangaroo office. Four of the 12 start-ups formed in the program pitched their businesses to an audience of investors. 

It's the first of a series of investor events the two organisations will partner on, and will be followed by continued collaboration between the pair in the startup and innovation space in the near future.

Gilbert + Tobin’s Startup practice is designed to provide founders with comprehensive advice to set them on the path to success. Get in touch with our Startup Lawyers and Venture Capital experts.

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