Troy Carter

Troy Carter is a prominent figure known for his multifaceted career spanning music management, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Initially rising to fame as a manager for artists like Lady Gaga, Carter leveraged his deep understanding of culture and consumer trends to transition successfully into the tech investment landscape. He founded Atom Factory, an entertainment and tech management company based in Culver City, which also served as his primary vehicle for early-stage venture investments. Through Atom Factory, Carter established himself as a shrewd investor with a keen eye for disruptive consumer technologies.

Carter's investment philosophy centered on identifying and backing innovative companies at their nascent stages, often with a strategic link to the entertainment or consumer tech sectors. His portfolio boasts an impressive list of successes, including early investments in industry giants such as Uber, Spotify, Dropbox, and Warby Parker. A notable example of his early conviction is his $60,000 investment in Uber, a stake that reportedly grew significantly, demonstrating his ability to spot transformative opportunities. By 2014, Carter had reportedly invested in over 80 tech companies, showcasing the breadth of his early-stage investment activity and his commitment to fostering innovation across various digital platforms.

Beyond direct investments, Carter's entrepreneurial spirit led him to various influential roles, including Global Head of Creator Services at Spotify, where he further bridged the gap between technology and creative industries. More recently, he founded Venice Music, a platform designed to empower independent artists with distribution and financial tools, reinforcing his ongoing dedication to the music ecosystem. His career trajectory highlights a unique blend of creative intuition and business acumen, making him a distinctive and impactful investor in the venture capital landscape.