FELLOWSHIP · SELECTIVE INVESTMENT
Entrepreneurs First
US Funding / Fellowship
Independent editorial profile; DNA Future is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution unless expressly stated. Two US routes: a $10,000 equity-free fellowship and a separate selective $250,000 investment.
Source checked · Rolling · Investment selectiveView application ↗
01
THE INSTITUTION
What is Entrepreneurs First?
Entrepreneurs First is a global talent investor founded by Matt Clifford and Alice Bentinck.
It works with individuals before they have a cofounder or fixed idea, then helps form companies.
Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford founded Entrepreneurs First in 2011 around a talent-investing model that starts before a person has a cofounder or a final idea.
EF says its portfolio is collectively worth more than $16 billion. In 2026 it announced $200 million of fresh capital, including capital for its management company.
Representative companies include Aztec, Cleo, Tractable, Accurx, Magdrive and Neptune Robotics, with later backing from investors such as Sequoia, a16z and Founders Fund.
EF's 2026 portfolio updates included rounds for Eigen, Scope, Davis AI and industrial and health companies. In the US, the $10,000 fellowship and up-to-$250,000 investment remain separate routes.
02
THE PEOPLE
Who leads Entrepreneurs First and this program?
Matt Clifford
Co-founder and Chair
Co-founded Entrepreneurs First and helped develop its talent-investing model.
Alice Bentinck
Co-founder
Co-founded Entrepreneurs First and supports its founder and talent network.
US applications are handled by the EF team; the page does not name one permanent US program director.
03
THE PROGRAM
What is US Funding / Fellowship?
Applicants can enter an equity-free exploration fellowship or be considered for company investment, depending on readiness.
04
WHO IT IS FOR
Who should consider it?
- Individuals before team or idea formation
- Technical and commercial founders
- People ready to build intensively in the US program
05
SUPPORT
What do you get?
- $10,000 equity-free fellowship route
- Selective $250,000 company investment route
- Cofounder matching, mentors and fundraising support
Do not misread this
The $250K investment is not automatic and should not be confused with the equity-free fellowship payment.
06
PUBLIC EVIDENCE
What does the public record show?
Representative companies include Aztec, Cleo, Tractable, Accurx, Magdrive and Neptune Robotics, with later backing from investors such as Sequoia, a16z and Founders Fund.
How to read this evidence
Examples show institutional or program history. They do not predict admission, funding, ownership terms or outcomes for a new applicant.
07
APPLICATION
How do you apply?
- Choose the funding or fellowship route
- Submit the rolling application
- Complete interviews and founder matching
- Review investment terms if offered
DNA Future research note. This is an independent editorial profile based on official sources. Program terms and availability can change; the institution’s current materials take precedence.
Last reviewed · 13 October 2026