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All Accelerators
Pre-team Accelerator

Entrepreneurs First

Entrepreneurs First (EF) is a unique accelerator that backs founders before they even have a co-founder or idea. Founded in 2011, EF runs programs in London, Singapore, and the Bay Area. The Bridge Residency is an 8-week program in the Bay Area with full housing, board, and visa support, specifically designed for non-US founders. EF helps founders find co-founders within the cohort, validate ideas, and build startups from scratch. EF has funded 500+ companies including Tractable and Magic Pony Technology.

Applications Open Deadline: August 30, 2026 (Bridge Residency) Last verified: September 10, 2026
Investment
Up to $250,000
Equity
Negotiated (varies by program track)
Stage
Idea, Pre-seed
Location
Bay Area, CA (Bridge Residency) / London, UK / Singapore
Program Duration
8 weeks (Bridge Residency) / 6 months (standard program)
Cohort Size
20-30 founders per cohort
Remote or Onsite
Onsite (in-person residency with housing provided)
Application Fee
Free

Ready to apply to Entrepreneurs First?

Visit the official application page to get started.

Apply Now
Overview

About the Program

Entrepreneurs First (EF) is a unique accelerator that backs founders before they even have a co-founder or idea. Founded in 2011, EF runs programs in London, Singapore, and the Bay Area. The Bridge Residency is an 8-week program in the Bay Area with full housing, board, and visa support, specifically designed for non-US founders. EF helps founders find co-founders within the cohort, validate ideas, and build startups from scratch. EF has funded 500+ companies including Tractable and Magic Pony Technology.

Funding

Funding Structure

Up to $250,000 upfront investment. Terms negotiated based on program track and stage. Housing and visa support included for Bridge Residency.

Initial Investment
Up to $250,000
Equity
Negotiated (varies by program track)
Additional Funding
Follow-on funding available through EF investor network
Follow-on Funding
EF investor network provides follow-on capital for top companies
Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

  • Aspiring founders with no team or idea (pre-team, pre-idea)
  • Non-US founders especially welcome (visa support provided)
  • Founders from any country
  • Must commit to full-time in-person residency
  • Technical backgrounds preferred but not required
Selection

What They Look For

  • Exceptional founder potential
  • Deep technical or domain expertise
  • Drive and ambition to build a globally important company
  • Ability to work collaboratively (for co-founder matching)
  • No specific traction, product, or idea required
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

  • Completed online application
  • Founder video
  • Information about your background and motivation
  • No pitch deck or product required
Process

How to Apply

  1. 1Go to joinef.com/apply
  2. 2Complete the application form about your background
  3. 3Record and submit a founder video
  4. 4If selected, attend a video interview
  5. 5If shortlisted, attend assessment day
  6. 6If accepted, join the residency program
Timeline

Application Process

  1. 11. Submit online application with founder video
  2. 22. EF team reviews applications on rolling basis
  3. 33. Selected candidates invited to video interview
  4. 44. Shortlisted candidates attend assessment day
  5. 55. Final selection and offer extended
  6. 66. Join the residency and build from scratch
Dates

Important Dates

Bridge Residency deadline: August 30, 2026. Other programs have varying deadlines.

Benefits

Program Benefits

Up to $250,000 upfront investment
Full housing, board, and visa support (Bridge Residency)
Co-founder matching within the cohort
Idea validation and startup building support
Mentorship from EF alumni and advisors
Demo Day with 200+ investors
Support for non-US founders including visa assistance
Selection

Selection Process

Online application, video interview, and assessment day. EF selects based on founder potential.

Industries

Industries and Focus Areas

Industry-agnosticAIDeep TechSaaSFintechHealthClimateDeveloper Tools
Geography

Geographies and Countries

USAUKIndiaSingaporeAfricaGlobal
Pitch

How to Approach This Investor

Recommended pitch type: Online application with founder video (no pitch deck needed)

SubjectN/A - Apply through the EF online application
OpeningEF does not require a pitch. Apply with your background and motivation.
ProblemNot required at application stage. You will find problems during the program.
TractionNot required. EF invests in people, not traction.
MarketNot required at application stage.
Why This InvestorExplain why you want to build a startup and why EF fits your journey.
AskUp to $250,000 upfront. Terms vary by program track.
Call to ActionApply at joinef.com/apply.
Fit

Is This Program Right for You?

Best For
Talented individuals who want to start a company but do not yet have a co-founder or idea, especially non-US founders.
Strong Fit If
You are a talented technologist or operator ready to go full-time but need a co-founder and structured support
Less Suitable If
You already have a team and launched product with traction
Portfolio

Notable Portfolio Companies

Tractable, Magic Pony Technology (acquired by Twitter), Bloomsbury AI (acquired by Facebook)
Network

Mentors and Investor Access

Mentors
EF alumni founders, advisors, and industry experts
Investor Access
Demo Day plus introductions to EF global investor network
History

Previous Cohorts

500+ companies funded since 2011 across UK, Singapore, and US

Contact

How to Contact

Apply online at joinef.com/apply. No email application required.

Sources

Official Sources

https://www.joinef.com/apply https://www.joinef.com/faq
Verified against official Entrepreneurs First website Last verified: September 10, 2026