Entrepreneur First (EF) – London & Europe Programmes

Entrepreneur First (EF) is a 'talent investor' that backs exceptional individuals before they have a team or an idea. This listing covers EF's programmes for European founders, run from London. You join a full-time, in-person cohort, meet potential co-founders and develop a company idea together. While you are still ideating you receive an equity-free grant; once you form a company, EF can invest up to $250K in exchange for equity, with up to $5M in follow-on funding available through later rounds (support up to Series B) and over $600K in perks and credits.

European programmes:
• London Programme — 12 weeks in London, then the final 3 months in San Francisco. Next cohort starts April 2027.
• XF2: Experienced Founders (London) — for people with 7+ years of experience who have founded a startup or been key to one's early days. Fall 2026 cohort.
• The Bridge — an 8-week San Francisco residency designed for young Europeans. Starts February 2027.

EF looks for people who have consistently outperformed their peers — for example by building products, organisations or startups before. You don't need an idea or a co-founder to apply. (EF's US-based programme is listed separately as 'Entrepreneurs First U.S. Program'.)

Apply online through EF's Application Hub (apply.joinef.com): pick the London Programme, XF2 or The Bridge, then create and submit your application. The London Programme and XF2 currently start with a 'Register Interest' form. Selection includes interviews before you're offered a place.