Entrepreneurs First Bangalore Winter 2027
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Quick Answer
Join Entrepreneurs First in Bangalore for a full-time, in-person accelerator program designed to help ambitious individuals find co-founders, build impactful companies, and secure early-stage investment.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- Entrepreneurs First (EF)
- Application deadline
- 12d — 5 Oct 2026
- Eligible stage
- Idea
- Location
- International
About this funding program
The Entrepreneurs First (EF) Bangalore Winter 2027 program is a rigorous, full-time, in-person accelerator designed for exceptionally talented individuals looking to build groundbreaking technology companies. Unlike traditional accelerators that accept pre-formed teams, EF focuses on bringing together high-potential individuals, helping them to find a co-founder, develop a compelling idea, and launch a startup. Participants benefit from a structured program that provides intense mentorship, strategic guidance, and a supportive community to navigate the initial stages of company creation. The program aims to de-risk the very earliest stages of entrepreneurship, providing a fertile ground for deep-tech and innovative ventures across various sectors. Founders receive hands-on support in ideation, market validation, product development, and fundraising strategies. The ultimate goal is to equip founders with the skills, network, and capital needed to build scalable and impactful businesses from the ground up, culminating in an opportunity to raise further investment from leading venture capitalists.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Entrepreneurs First is a talent investor founded by Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford. It backs individual people before they have a cofounder or a startup idea, and currently runs offices in London, Paris, Bangalore and San Francisco. Its Bangalore programme is based in HSR…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
What You Get
The program provides initial seed investment in exchange for an equity stake in the newly formed company. While the exact amount is not specified in this content, Entrepreneurs First typically provides capital to help founders focus full-time on their venture and achieve key milestones. Beyond direct funding, participants gain access to a powerful global network of mentors, investors, and fellow founders. The structured program offers unparalleled incubation support, including expert guidance on ideation, team formation, product development, and go-to-market strategies. Founders also benefit from dedicated office space in Bangalore, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, and direct investor access for subsequent funding rounds.
- Duration
- 6 months
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The Entrepreneurs First program involves a rigorous, multi-stage selection process designed to identify high-potential individuals. There will be three distinct selection rounds. Applicants are evaluated based on their individual strengths, achievements, entrepreneurial drive, and potential to build a successful technology company. This often includes initial application screening, interviews, and potentially assessment centers or group exercises to gauge problem-solving skills, collaboration, and leadership qualities. The aim is to assemble a diverse and exceptionally talented cohort capable of forming strong co-founding teams and developing innovative ventures. Early applicants for the 05 October 2026 deadline will be considered for the first selection round.
Application Process
- 1
Start Application
Fill in your basic personal and contact details on the online portal.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of startups does Entrepreneurs First support?
Entrepreneurs First supports ambitious individuals to build deep-tech and innovative companies across various sectors. The focus is on finding exceptional founders first, then helping them to develop a high-potential idea and form a co-founding team.
Do I need a co-founder or an idea before applying?
No, EF is designed to help you find a co-founder and develop an idea during the program. Many successful EF companies started with individual founders joining the program without a pre-formed team or a fully developed business concept.
Is the program full-time and in-person?
Yes, the Bangalore Winter 2027 cohort is a full-time and in-person program. Participants are expected to dedicate themselves fully to the program and work from the designated hub in Bangalore.
What kind of funding does EF provide?
Entrepreneurs First provides initial seed investment in exchange for an equity stake in the company formed during the program. The precise terms are typically discussed during the later stages of the selection process.
What is the application deadline?
The early deadline for the Winter 2027 Bangalore program is 05 October 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply by this date to be considered for the first selection round.
What is the duration of the program?
The core program typically runs for approximately 6 months, providing an intensive period of company building, mentorship, and preparation for fundraising.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
