Job Description

About Antler

Antler backs the world’s most ambitious founders from the very start. Founded on the belief that innovation is the key to building a better future, we partner with people across six continents to launch and scale high-potential startups that address meaningful opportunities and challenges. Knowing that exceptional founders can come from anywhere with any background, we have offices in 30 cities, including Tokyo, New York, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Bangalore, Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney.

Our global community supports founders on deep business model validation, initial capital, expansion support, and follow-on funding. Fueled by a personal passion that goes beyond traditional investing, we have helped create and invested in more than 1,500 startups across a wide range of industries and technologies.

A better future won’t happen automatically—the world needs talented, determined, and resilient people to build it. Antler team members are part of an ambitious global community dedicated to helping the most driven founders move the world forward.

About the role

As Program Manager at our Tokyo office, you will be playing a critical role for the Antler experience. You will be responsible for end-to-end execution and management of our Spring and Fall residencies – 10 week startup founder programs – managing all communications, bringing founders together, and shaping the core programming of a residency. This role encompasses both the in-person residency in Tokyo, Japan as well as opportunities for the broader Antler SEA Platform. 

Successful development and graduation of our cohorts is critical to our success, both in Japan and globally, and this is a unique opportunity to drive the direction of the Antler Japan community and cultivate impact for founders, investors, and our extended network as we grow.

Key responsibilities

Residency Operations

• Program management and coordination: Oversee all aspects of the in-person founder residency program, including planning, logistics, scheduling, and execution. Ensure that each residency runs smoothly and meets the high standards of Antler by creating an incredible founder experience. Act as a coach and mentor to a diverse range of early-stage technology companies, supporting them through launch and investment.
• Program Enhancement: Continuously seek ways to improve the residency program and the overall Antler platform in Japan. Gather feedback, analyze program outcomes, and implement changes to enhance the experience for all participants.

Platform Operations

• Community Engagement: Work closely with the SEA and global Platform team to enhance the Antler Japan community. Develop strategies and initiatives to foster a supportive and dynamic environment for founders, mentors, and investors. Support building the ecosystem of advisors, venture partners and investors across Japan and SEA and be a powerful brand ambassador for Antler.
• Cross-office collaboration: Coordinate with various stakeholders in Japan, SEA, and globally, including mentors, investors, service providers, and the broader Antler team to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive program experience. 

• Content/Event Strategy: Create and manage Antler Japan content for founders and portfolio companies as well as our broader network. Help drive projects including events and online content to create more value for startup founders in our network.

You’ll be a great fit if

• A minimum 4 years of experience in program management, event planning, or a related role, preferably within a startup, VC, or broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• You understand business concepts – You will be reviewing thousands of ideas, decks and companies.
• You have startup experience – You are familiar with the ecosystem and know what early-stage founders care about and need to succeed.
• You’re a self-starter – Taking initiative comes naturally to you. When you notice gaps you don’t hesitate to build solutions.
• You have an eye for details – Every component of the Residency is important to you and you succeed in managing multiple workstreams at the same time.
• You think like a builder – Whether that is iterating on and streamlining processes or experimenting with brand exposure, you’re always thinking about better.
• You have proficiency in using modern project management tools and software and can be adept across multiple platforms and projects.
• You cultivate community around you – The idea of sourcing, bringing together, and actively supporting talented people fires you up and is exciting for you.

• You are confident in English and Japanese in both written and spoken communications. 

Opportunities that we offer

• Direct exposure to cutting-edge startups and technologies
• A unique opportunity to learn and grow in the world of entrepreneurship
• A global, respectful, and inclusive team culture that values personal development
• The chance to contribute to building the next generation of category-defining companies
• Opportunities to work with exceptional, fun, and mission-driven teammates
• A front-row seat to shaping the future of innovation in Tokyo
• Competitive compensation package

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