Mantis VC
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Overview
Mantis VC is a venture capital fund co-founded by members of The Chainsmokers, the Grammy-winning DJ duo. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology, media, and consumer startups. Mantis bridges the worlds of entertainment and venture capital, leveraging celebrity networks and brand-building expertise alongside traditional investment.
By the Numbers
Founders
One half of The Chainsmokers, one of the world's most commercially successful electronic music duos. Pall co-manages Mantis VC alongside his music career.
Has used his music industry connections to give Mantis portfolio companies access to unique marketing and brand-building opportunities.
The other half of The Chainsmokers, Taggart co-founded Mantis VC to formalize his long-standing interest in technology investing. He studied economics at Syracuse University before breaking into music.
Was investing in startups informally for years before launching Mantis, with early angel checks in companies like Lyft.
Former technology operator and investor who serves as the operational backbone of Mantis VC. Koch handles day-to-day fund management and deal sourcing.
Koch's operational expertise is credited as the reason Mantis is taken seriously by founders and institutional LPs beyond the celebrity angle.
Funding
Competitors
Celebrity-backed VC also focused on early stage, but with different entertainment industry ties
Ashton Kutcher-backed VC with a longer track record and larger AUM
Early-stage generalist VC without the celebrity brand angle
Creator-economy focused VC with roots in talent management
Revenue & Model
Hiring Signals
Tech Stack
Web Presence
Verified from public records — not AI-estimated.
How They're Doing
Mantis VC has deployed capital across two funds and built a portfolio of over 100 companies in sectors including fintech, consumer tech, and media. The firm has generated meaningful attention on platforms like HackerNews with 309 mentions, signaling relevance in the tech startup community. The fund continues to be active in early-stage deals and leverages The Chainsmokers' brand for portfolio company support.
●Deployed Fund II capital across consumer and enterprise technology startups
●Portfolio companies have gone on to raise follow-on rounds from top-tier VCs
Prognosis
Mantis VC is likely to continue raising subsequent funds as the celebrity venture model gains legitimacy. The firm's differentiation through entertainment industry networks remains a genuine value-add for consumer-facing startups. However, a cooling venture market and increased scrutiny of celebrity-affiliated funds may temper LP enthusiasm for Fund III.
●Expanding into creator economy and Web3 investments where entertainment ties are especially valuable
●Leveraging Chainsmokers' global reach to help portfolio companies expand internationally
●Venture market downturn reducing LP appetite for emerging managers
●Reputation risk tied to the public personas of celebrity co-founders
Recent News
Mantis VC closes Fund II to back early-stage tech and consumer startups
TechCrunch
Mantis VC announces portfolio expansion with investments in fintech and consumer tech
Forbes
The Chainsmokers launch Mantis VC officially to invest in early-stage startups
Variety
Controversies
Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers faced public scrutiny after a Zoom concert in South Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic drew large unmasked crowds, briefly drawing negative attention to the Mantis brand.
Fun Facts
- 01The Chainsmokers were informally investing in startups like Lyft years before officially launching Mantis VC, making them early-stage investors before most celebrities caught on.
- 02The name 'Mantis' is a nod to the idea of a predatory but precise hunter — reflecting the firm's thesis of identifying opportunities others overlook.
- 03Despite being celebrity-founded, Mantis insists on leading or co-leading rounds with term sheets, not just writing small checks for access and optics.
Timeline
Firm continues active investing amid broader venture market slowdown, focusing on high-conviction early-stage bets
Fund II closed, expanding Mantis VC's AUM and deal activity
Portfolio grows to over 50 companies; firm gains mainstream press coverage for celebrity VC model
Fund I launched and deployed into early-stage tech and consumer startups
Mantis VC officially founded by The Chainsmokers (Alex Pall, Andrew Taggart) and Milan Koch; domain registered September 2019