Atom Factory

Atom Factory, founded by music industry veteran Troy Carter, is primarily recognized as a multi-faceted entertainment management company based in Culver City, California. However, its significant foray into venture capital is channeled through its dedicated investment arm, AF Square. Established to leverage Carter's keen eye for talent and market trends beyond the music industry, AF Square functions as a strategic investment vehicle, primarily focusing on early-stage technology startups. This dual operational model allows Atom Factory to catalyze culture not only through artist management but also by fostering innovation in the tech landscape.

AF Square has built a remarkable portfolio by identifying and backing disruptive companies at their nascent stages. Its investment strategy often targets ventures at the intersection of technology, media, and consumer culture, demonstrating a strong emphasis on platforms that reshape user experiences. Among its most notable early-stage investments are stakes in now-household names such as Uber, Spotify, Dropbox, Warby Parker, and Lyft. These successful bets underscore AF Square's ability to spot future market leaders. Through AF Square, Troy Carter himself has reportedly invested in over 70 startups, showcasing a prolific and impactful presence in the venture ecosystem.

The investment philosophy of AF Square is deeply rooted in providing more than just capital; it often involves strategic guidance and leveraging Troy Carter's extensive network across entertainment, media, and technology. The firm typically engages in seed and Series A funding rounds, seeking to be an early partner to founders building scalable and impactful businesses. While specific check sizes can vary based on the opportunity and round dynamics, AF Square's typical first checks for these early-stage investments generally range from $100,000 to $1,000,000. This range reflects their commitment to providing meaningful initial capital to promising ventures poised for significant growth.