Pre-Seed Programs
Founders at the earliest stage have three strong options closing over the next two months.
- On Deck (apply by Aug 30, 2026): Designed for founders who are pre-product and still validating their idea, this cohort is ideal for those who want structured peer accountability before committing to a build. Apply here
- Antler Residency Program (apply by Sep 30, 2026): Built for pre-team founders, Antler pairs you with a co-founder and writes the first cheque, making it a strong fit if you have conviction on a space but lack a technical or commercial partner. Apply here
- Entrepreneur First (apply by Oct 15, 2026): A talent-first model focused on co-founder matching before the company exists. EF is best suited to high-potential individuals who want to find the right partner in a rigorous, supported environment. Apply here
Seed Programs
- 500 Global Founders Fund Track (apply by Sep 01, 2026): Targeting late-seed to early growth-stage companies ready for acceleration, this track is oriented around scaling teams that already have meaningful traction. Sector-agnostic but operationally intensive. Apply here
Series A and All-Stage Programs
- Y Combinator Winter 2027 (apply by Sep 25, 2026): Open to founders at any stage, with a stated focus on AI, hard tech, fintech, and climate. YC accepts pre-product companies as readily as those with revenue, so stage should not deter applicants. The Sep 25 deadline is firm and the application is competitive, so starting early is strongly advised. Apply here
How to Prioritise
If you are still searching for a co-founder or refining your idea, apply to On Deck first given the Aug 30 deadline, then consider Antler or EF depending on whether you prefer a cheque-first or talent-first environment. If you have an early product and some signal, file your YC application before focusing on 500 Global, since YC's Sep 25 deadline leaves limited time and the upside of acceptance tends to outweigh all other programs at the seed stage.