MANTIS Venture Capital

MANTIS Venture Capital, based in Santa Monica, California, is an early-stage venture fund with a distinctive blend of investment acumen and entertainment industry influence. Co-founded by members of the Grammy-winning electronic music duo The Chainsmokers (Drew Taggart and Alex Pall), alongside their manager Adam Alpert and veteran investor Jeffrey Evans, MANTIS leverages its unique network to support portfolio companies. The firm primarily focuses on Seed and Series A investments within consumer technology, media/entertainment, and fintech sectors, aiming to identify and nurture disruptive startups.

The firm's investment thesis centers on identifying companies that can benefit from their deep understanding of consumer trends, brand building, and direct access to the entertainment ecosystem. Beyond capital, MANTIS provides strategic guidance, marketing insights, and valuable connections, particularly in areas like influencer marketing, content creation, and audience engagement. Their unique position allows them to offer unparalleled support in brand development and market penetration, differentiating them from traditional VC firms.

MANTIS Venture Capital has demonstrated significant growth since its inception. Their initial fund closed at $35 million, and they successfully raised a second fund of $50 million, indicating strong investor confidence and an expanding capacity for new investments. The firm typically writes initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $2 million for seed-stage companies, though they have the flexibility to participate in larger Series A rounds, sometimes contributing up to $5 million. As of early 2023, their portfolio includes over 30 companies, reflecting an active investment pace across their target sectors.

MANTIS continues to be an active player in the early-stage venture landscape, particularly for founders looking for more than just capital. Their strategic advantage lies in bridging the gap between innovative technology and the vast reach of the entertainment industry, offering a compelling proposition for startups aiming for rapid consumer adoption and strong brand identity.