There are tons of different frameworks on what makes a good business idea. However, there is one point in particular that is tough to crack: “What if [Google] does it?”—i.e., if the big incumbent that is playing in the same or an adjacent market uses their vast resources to copy you, what chance do you even have?

This is what in German we call a Totschlagargument, which in our loving and peaceful language translates roughly into “the argument with which you can beat anything to death”. And it is easy to dismiss the question because in so many cases startups have prevailed against much larger incumbents. But I believe a more nuanced view is needed. In reality, these incumbents pose a legitimate threat in many cases and they have ended countless hopeful startups.

I discuss this topic frequently—both with founders considering whether to dedicate a decade of their life to something, and with colleagues when we’re thinking about being the first investor—but haven't found a great framework.

Here are the key questions that help me wrap my head around this:

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How can the world tackle the increasingly complex problems of our time? With a new global infrastructure backing the most driven founders. Listen to Antler founder and CEO Magnus Grimeland discuss this—and why we're building Antler—on the Capital Allocators podcast.

Antler is charting a new course for innovation by expanding our presence in Australia. We are launching in Queensland and partnering with the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).

Supported by the Queensland Government's Queensland Venture Capital Development Fund (QVCDF), the partnership is poised to transform the state's innovation sector. With a focus on bridging the early-stage funding gap, Antler and QIC are committed to attracting and nurturing the nation's top talent, driving forward Queensland's position on the global innovation stage.

As Jeff Bezos once said: “What’s dangerous is to not evolve.” While most business leaders understand that stagnation is fatal, for a host of reasons established companies often struggle to innovate—purposefully and powerfully.

Antler’s Business Development and Collaborations Group helps global corporates drive innovation excellence through high value-generating collaborations with Antler’s 1,000+ (and growing) global startup portfolio. In our collaboration with Investa, a leading Australian real estate investment manager and developer, we are connecting them to our global community of founders and the cutting-edge solutions they are building.

Read more about the powerful outcomes that happen when ambitious startups and industry leaders come together.

What will innovation look like as we move deeper into 2024? What are the biggest industry trends that will define the coming year?

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We asked our global network of Antler Operators—founders, sector leaders, CxOs, and VPs from companies including Roblox, Airtable, Shopify, Spotify, Affirm, DoorDash, Uber, Hubspot, and more, who offer 1:1 advice to Antler portfolio companies, giving them extra firepower to help fast-track their growth.

Dive into a coveted list of 10 forward-thinking startup ideas curated by James McClure, Partner at Antler in Australia, for entrepreneurs looking to make an impact. Spanning generative AI, modular housing, B2B due diligence, and beyond, these opportunities reflect the evolving landscape of tech and societal needs. Whether it's leveraging proprietary content for LLMs, innovating in the housing market, or pioneering quantum high-frequency trading, these ideas not only address current challenges but also open up new avenues for monetisation and growth.

Unveiling the Transformation: Navigating Challenges and Shifting Narratives in the Startup Landscape

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Antler's eleventh Australian residency marks a new era of innovation and talent, welcoming over 70 exceptional founders from diverse backgrounds. Featuring increased selectivity and experienced participants, this cohort is set to redefine startup success over the coming years. Discover the unique blend of expertise, global insights, and entrepreneurial spirit fuelling this transformative journey.

This marks the highest number of pre-seed deals completed in a single round in the region.

As part of a $5.1M pre-seed round for 37 startups across Southeast Asia, this marks the highest number of pre-seed deals completed in a single round in the region.

As part of a $5.1M pre-seed round for 37 startups across Southeast Asia, this marks the highest number of pre-seed deals completed in a single round in the region.

As part of a $5.1M pre-seed round for 37 startups across Southeast Asia, this marks the highest number of pre-seed deals completed in a single round in the region.

As part of a $5.1M pre-seed round for 37 startups across Southeast Asia, this marks the highest number of pre-seed deals completed in a single round in the region.

Antler's third annual ESG and Impact Report discusses our commitment to sustainability as a strategic principle that's fundamental to the success of our firm, our portfolio companies, and broader society.

From business model sustainability to the importance to owning your distribution channels, hear what the founders of some of our portfolio companies had to say.