Entrepreneurs First

Activity from announced rounds

Activity in this selectionOct 24, 2026 · Defense tech · Jan 1, 2026

Entrepreneurs First backs individuals before a company exists, helping them find a co-founder, develop an idea and form a business with a path into the US startup market.

Its matching process introduces candidates screened for complementary skills and working styles. Founders test potential partnerships through retreats, local cohorts and company-building work, with a dedicated adviser and a San Francisco-based partner.

EF offers an equity-free grant during ideation and up to $250,000 of investment after company formation. Support for the US phase includes office space, customer development, incorporation and relocation guidance, fundraising preparation and a San Francisco Demo Day.

Sources
Rounds participated in
3
Confirmed lead rounds
0
2 roles undisclosed
New companies
3
First participation on record · 0 follow-on
Funding in participating rounds
$18.6M
2 disclosed · full round size, not this investor’s share

By stage

Pre-seed1
Seed1
Undisclosed1

By primary sector

Defense tech3

By country

United Kingdom2
United States1

Rounds

3 in this selection
Helicon

Automates carbon-fiber textile handling to produce composite parts for drones and other unmanned systems.

$16.5MSeed
Participant
Hadean

Develops AI-powered digital wargaming and command-and-control capabilities.

UndisclosedUndisclosed
Role not disclosed
Mutable Tactics

Develops AI software to improve drone deployment in combat environments

$2.1MPre-Seed
Role not disclosed