Alex Pall (Mantis Ventures): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Alex Pall is widely known as one half of the Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo The Chainsmokers. Beyond his musical success, Pall has built an impressive profile as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, notably co-founding Mantis Venture Capital, a startup investment firm that mixes celebrity influence with savvy tech investing. Mantis VC's focus is on early-stage technology companies, particularly in sectors like software, AI, fintech, healthtech, and cybersecurity. The unique blend of Pall’s creative background and business acumen marks his transition from music stages to boardrooms, illustrating a multifaceted career arc. This article explores key insights about Alex Pall’s journey in music and venture capital, as well as the evolution and impact of Mantis VC.

1. From DJ to Entrepreneur: Alex Pall’s Early Life and Musical Roots

Alex Pall was born on May 16, 1985, in New York City and raised in Westchester County. Initially interested in art and commerce rather than performance, he showed an early passion for music through innovative exploration of sounds and mixing. His formal education included attending New York University. Pall’s music career officially began in earnest in 2012 when he met Drew Taggart, and together they formed The Chainsmokers. Pall’s background uniquely combined creativity with business savvy, setting the stage for his later entrepreneurial ventures.

2. The Chainsmokers: Shaping Modern EDM and Pop Culture

As The Chainsmokers, Pall and Taggart rapidly gained fame with hits like "#Selfie," "Roses," "Don't Let Me Down," and "Closer," blending electronic, indie, and pop elements. Their work garnered multiple platinum singles, a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, and recognition as one of the highest-paid DJ duos globally. Their innovative release strategy, combining frequent singles and collaborative projects, helped maintain constant presence in the music scene. Pall plays a crucial role as DJ, producer, and creative director in the duo.

3. Transition to Venture Capital: Founding Mantis VC

In 2019, Pall co-founded Mantis Venture Capital alongside Drew Taggart, Jeffrey Evans, and Milan Koch. This move was motivated by Pall's interest in technology and supporting other entrepreneurs, leveraging the duo’s social capital and industry networks. Mantis is focused on seed and Series A investments in consumer tech, fintech, media, entertainment, healthtech, and AI startups. Unlike many celebrity funds that lend only their name, Pall and his partners actively participate in diligence and offer hands-on support to portfolio companies.

4. Mantis VC’s Investment Philosophy and Sectors

Mantis emphasizes founder obsession, offering more than capital; they provide branding, networking, recruiting, and go-to-market expertise. The fund targets startups that address emerging technologies for millennials and Gen Z consumers but also invests in B2B sectors including cybersecurity and AI. Their strategic approach focuses on tech-enabled disruptors in large markets, supporting long-term sustainable growth.

5. Influence of Celebrity and Social Capital in Venture Funding

Pall and The Chainsmokers' celebrity status provides Mantis with widespread reach and connections, especially within entertainment, media, and large corporate networks. This social capital enables Mantis to open doors for portfolio companies to potential customers and key hires. However, Pall and his partners strive to transcend the celebrity fund label by proving their value through diligence, work ethic, and founder support.

6. Key Members of Mantis VC: Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch

The venture capital firm also includes seasoned professionals Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch, who bring deep expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, and technology investing. Their partnership blends music industry insight with financial acumen. Jeffrey Evans, in particular, is recognized for his operational leadership and experience working closely with founders.

7. Notable Portfolio Companies and Investments

Mantis has invested in over 140 startups, including significant positions in innovative companies like Chainguard (cybersecurity), Fellow Health (healthtech), and fintech pioneers. They have backed early-stage companies in AI, cloud infrastructure, crypto, and entertainment tech. Their hands-on approach often involves direct involvement in recruiting, branding, and capital efficiency strategies.

8. Mantis VC’s Fundraising and Assets Under Management

Since launching, Mantis has raised multiple funds, including a $100 million third fund in 2025, bringing assets under management to approximately $225 million. This growth is notable for a celebrity-backed fund, underscoring Pall and partners’ commitment to long-term VC success amid market fluctuations.

9. Alex Pall’s Personal Life and Public Profile

Alex Pall has been relatively private about his personal life but has publicly discussed relationships, including a notable relationship and recent split with model Moa Aberg. He shares candid reflections on balancing his music career, business interests, and maintaining a grounded lifestyle. He's also known for enjoying skiing, philanthropy, and fostering community within his ventures.

10. The Future of Alex Pall and Mantis VC

Looking ahead, Pall is passionate about scaling Mantis VC as a generational fund supporting innovation across multiple sectors. The partnership aims to expand its influence beyond celebrity-driven investing toward becoming a respected player known for founder support and operational assistance. With AI and cybersecurity as key interests, Mantis seeks to invest in foundational technologies shaping the future economy.

Conclusion

Alex Pall exemplifies a modern renaissance figure in the entertainment and technology worlds. Starting as a NYC-based DJ and producer, evolving into a global music icon with The Chainsmokers, and now a proactive venture capitalist, his journey underscores the power of adaptability, networking, and dedication. Mantis VC combines celebrity influence with robust venture practices, creating unique support systems for startups. As technology evolves rapidly, Pall’s commitment to learning, growth, and supporting founder-driven innovation marks him as a dynamic force bridging creative and business domains. His story challenges conventional paths and inspires cross-sector innovation.