From Newsroom to Boardroom: Antler Might Be Your Big Idea’s Big Break

Dedicated to the burned-out anchor, the exhausted, ambitious producer, or anyone staring at their last rundown wondering, “What’s next?” This one’s for you.

The Scoop: What’s Antler, and Why Should You Care? Antler is an early-stage VC residency program designed for people who don’t just have ideas—they have the grit, determination, and willingness to take the entrepreneurial leap. If you’ve left the newsroom (by choice or circumstances) and have a big idea brewing, this could be your shot.

They’re not looking for your average startup founder. They want CEOs, CTOs, and anyone else with the vision to build something disruptive and impactful. News folks, you already live and breathe storytelling, crisis management, and delivering under pressure - sounds like a match, doesn’t it?

Key Details:

• When: March 18, 2025, for five weeks.

• Where: Austin, TX, or NYC (because why not make your big pivot in a big city?).

• What’s at Stake: Up to $500,000 in pre-seed investment, broken into two tranches: $200K for 8% equity and $300K follow-on capital.

• Your Job: Build the next big thing—whether it’s a revolutionary content platform, a tech solution for journalists, or an entirely unrelated idea.

Toss to the package…

The Upsides: Why You Should Swipe Right on Antler

1. A Built-In Network: Whether you’re still figuring out how to transition from newsroom to boardroom or already drafting your pitch deck, Antler gives you access to mentors, coaches, and industry insiders.

2. Structured Chaos: The program isn’t rigid; it’s designed for founders to focus on what matters most. You’re not drowning in workshops—you’re building something real.

3. Newsies Have Founder DNA: You’ve spent years crafting compelling narratives under insane deadlines. That resilience, creativity, and ability to communicate? Perfect founder material.

4. Access to Capital: Antler’s funding could be the financial runway you need to take off. Plus, their portfolio is a who’s who of startup success stories like Airalo and Reebelo.

The Downsides: Let’s Get Real

1. Full-Time Commitment: This isn’t a side hustle. You’ll need to dedicate yourself fully to the program, meaning it’s not a fit for the hesitant.

2. Equity Is a Big Ask: 8% for $200K is fair in startup land, but it’s still a chunk of your company. If your idea feels like the next unicorn, be sure you’re okay with the trade-off.

3. Risk Is Real: Startups fail. A lot. There’s no guarantee your idea will turn into the next Airbnb or Netflix, but hey, what’s life without a little risk?

4. Market Validation Can Be Brutal: You’ll spend a lot of time figuring out if your idea actually has legs. That means feedback loops, pivots, and maybe even scrapping your original plan.

Grit: The Secret Sauce: Here’s the thing: journalists know how to hustle. You’ve chased sources, turned dry press releases into must-watch stories, and probably fielded angry calls from someone’s PR team. Those are the same skills you’ll need to thrive as an entrepreneur.

Newsies who’ve pivoted often find themselves excelling in PR, storytelling, and content startups, but Antler opens the door for anything. The key is being ready to bet on yourself.

Beyond the Broadcast: The Exit Plan: If Antler feels too intense, don’t worry- it’s just one of many paths out of the newsroom. The #HireAJournalist movement (full credit to Haddie Djemal) has shown that former news professionals are thriving in all kinds of industries. From coaching to consulting, your skills translate more than you realize.

The Sign-Off: Is This Your Moment? Leaving the newsroom isn’t easy, but it’s also the first step toward reinvention. Antler could be the launchpad your next chapter needs. Whether you’re building a content platform, a tech tool for journalists, or something entirely different, remember this: you’re one decision away from a new life.

Antler applications are open now—don’t miss your shot. Details here.

Stay gritty,

Broken News