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Bernie Li is a Partner at Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm. He is responsible for identifying, investing in, and supporting innovative technology startups worldwide.
Bernie Li invests in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including AI, SaaS, fintech, deep tech, health tech, and consumer platforms. He seeks disruptive innovations and strong founding teams.
Bernie Li works as a Partner at Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm with offices in major tech hubs around the world.
Bernie Li is a Partner at Antler based in Toronto, Canada, where he co-leads the firm's regional early-stage investments and founder incubation programs. Prior to helping establish the Canadian division in 2021, he served as a Principal at Golden Gate Ventures, directing capital into technology startups across Southeast Asia. Throughout his venture capital career, Li has backed over 50 startups, building a portfolio that includes unicorns like Cove and ecosystem companies associated with Gojek. In early 2024, he was promoted to Partner at Antler, subsequently playing a key role in a $100 million fundraise announced in March 2025 to expand the firm's investment capabilities. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, Li currently focuses his efforts on scaling pre-seed and seed-stage technology companies within the fintech, SaaS, consumer tech, and deep tech sectors.
Bernie Li is a distinguished Partner at Antler, a prominent global early-stage venture capital firm renowned for its unique approach to building and investing in the next generation of technology companies. As a key leader within Antler, Bernie plays a pivotal role in identifying, nurturing, and scaling innovative startups from their foundational stages. His work embodies Antler's mission to empower exceptional founders worldwide, providing them with capital, mentorship, and a robust global network to transform their visions into successful enterprises.
At Antler, Bernie's responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing the entire investment lifecycle. He is actively involved in sourcing promising entrepreneurial talent and groundbreaking ideas, conducting thorough due diligence, and leading investment decisions. Beyond capital deployment, Bernie is a dedicated mentor and strategic advisor to Antler's portfolio companies, offering guidance on product-market fit, growth strategies, fundraising, and team building. His hands-on approach ensures that founders receive the comprehensive support needed to navigate the challenges of early-stage startup development and achieve significant milestones.
Bernie's investment focus aligns with Antler's broad mandate to back disruptive innovation across diverse sectors. He has a particular interest in areas such as artificial intelligence, SaaS solutions, fintech, deep tech, health technology, and consumer platforms that leverage technology to solve pressing problems or create new market opportunities. He is constantly seeking founders who demonstrate exceptional vision, resilience, and a deep understanding of their target markets. Bernie believes in the power of technology to drive positive change and is passionate about supporting ventures that aim to redefine industries and improve lives.
Prior to his tenure at Antler, Bernie cultivated a robust career background that equipped him with a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and venture capital. His journey likely included significant experience in technology consulting, startup operations, or even founding his own venture. This experience provided him with firsthand insights into the operational complexities and strategic imperatives of building and scaling businesses. His transition into venture capital was driven by a desire to leverage his expertise to empower a broader ecosystem of innovators, contributing to the creation of impactful companies from the ground up.
While specific portfolio companies are often confidential, Bernie Li is recognized for his keen ability to spot high-potential opportunities. He is known for backing companies that exhibit strong technological differentiation, scalable business models, and a clear path to market leadership. His investment philosophy emphasizes not just the idea, but critically, the strength and execution capabilities of the founding team. He looks for founders who are not only brilliant but also possess the grit and adaptability required to succeed in dynamic startup environments. Bernie's contributions at Antler are instrumental in shaping the firm's portfolio and reinforcing its position as a global leader in early-stage venture capital.
