I took 3 months off, joined antlers entrepreneur residency program for 3 months (the first batch in India, they do this in the almost 100 cities globally too).

I took 3 months off, joined antlers entrepreneur residency program for 3 months (the first batch in India, they do this in the almost 100 cities globally too). The odds of creating teams among 70 founders, freezing on an idea, pitching and getting an investment from their IC is only 5%. This contrasts with YC where everyone gets an investment on day 1. But Antler isn't meant for those who have that clarity. Yet. You just want to startup. They interview you, giving you 2-3 months to figure it out. They also have a small stipend during this time. Although I personally pitched with a team and didn't get an investment and decided to join the workforce again - there are many who continued with their team and bootstrapped post that or raised many quarters later. Regardless of how many founders eventually raise at the end of the cohort (15 teams formed from 70 founders, 3-5 teams on avg clear IC for $250k investment), Antler raises capital from their LP's 100% of the time, backed up by the logos of the employment of the founders, and potential opportunity. I felt conflicted by this initially. But it's a net win for the ecosystem. They get to fund more winners longer,and aren't obliged to fund every team for various reasons and have a high bar at the IC that is a reality check for many first time founders. Much like cohorts, the bond from staying in close proximity with that many folks also leads to a lifelong network that is still super tight 3 years post.