Mantis Ventures: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Mantis Ventures is an innovative early-stage venture capital firm co-founded by Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, famously known as The Chainsmokers, alongside experienced investors Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch. Established in 2019, Mantis Ventures represents a unique blend of entertainment industry insight and venture capital expertise. The firm focuses on investing in cutting-edge technology startups across sectors such as enterprise software, artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and consumer tech. What makes Mantis Ventures particularly interesting is its founders' distinctive background and how they leverage their extensive networks and creative acumen to support burgeoning entrepreneurs. This article explores ten compelling facets of Mantis Ventures, revealing key facts, achievements, and the firm's distinctive approach to venture investing.

1. Origin and Founders

Mantis Ventures was founded in 2019 by Alex Pall and Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers, together with Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch, both seasoned venture capitalists. The impetus for founding Mantis VC came from the duo's experiences in the music industry, where they realized the power of innovation and disruption. Beyond their musical success, Pall and Taggart wanted to channel their creative energy into supporting visionary startups. Partnering with industry veterans Evans and Koch enabled them to build a firm that bridges entertainment, technology, and venture investing. This foundation sets Mantis apart from conventional VC firms.

2. Focus Sectors and Investment Thesis

Mantis Ventures primarily invests in early-stage technology companies with a strong emphasis on enterprise software, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, and gaming technologies. This diversified but targeted sector focus aligns with the partners’ belief in the transformative power of tech innovations across industries. The firm seeks startups that demonstrate ambitious technical solutions, scalable business models, and visionary leadership, aiming to back companies poised for significant impact and growth in their respective markets.

3. Unique Value Proposition: Leveraging Celebrity and Networks

Unlike many celebrity investors who primarily provide capital and promotional support, Mantis Ventures co-founders actively leverage their industry networks and hands-on experience to add value. The Chainsmokers have played private shows and cultivated relationships across many Fortune 500 companies and influential leaders, enabling portfolio companies to gain unparalleled customer introductions, partnership opportunities, and talent recruitment assistance. This approach provides startups in Mantis’ portfolio with a rare blend of visibility and operational support beyond financial investment.

4. Investment Strategy and Portfolio Highlights

Mantis takes a rigorous, founder-focused approach to investments, often partnering with startups at the seed and Series A stages. Some notable portfolio companies include cybersecurity firms like Chainguard and AI-driven financial analytics startups such as Rogo. These investments showcase Mantis’ commitment to backing technically innovative companies that are reinventing critical industry segments from security to finance. The firm’s active involvement in these companies’ growth trajectories underscores its dedication to fostering long-term success.

5. Fundraising Achievements and Growth

Since its inception, Mantis Ventures has experienced steady growth in capital under management. In July 2025, Mantis closed its third fund at $100 million, a 25% increase over its previous $80 million fund. This milestone reflects strong investor confidence and highlights the firm's resilience amid a challenging broader venture capital environment. The total assets managed now exceed $225 million, positioning Mantis as a significant early-stage investor with growing influence.

6. Co-Founders’ Background: From Music to Venture Capital

Alex Pall and Drew Taggart rose to fame with The Chainsmokers, mastering the music industry while simultaneously cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey from touring musicians to venture capitalists is remarkable. Discovering a passion for technology and startup ecosystems, they decided to institutionalize their investment activities through Mantis Ventures. This crossover between disparate fields highlights how skills from creative industries—such as leadership, growth hacking, and networking—can translate into effective venture investing.

7. Emphasis on B2B and Enterprise Technology

Although started by musicians often associated with consumer-facing ventures, Mantis VC has notably invested heavily in B2B and enterprise technology startups. The co-founders have expressed their interest in supporting companies building foundational tech infrastructures—such as cybersecurity, AI platforms, and cloud services—that empower businesses, rather than focusing solely on consumer startups. This strategic decision differentiates Mantis in the venture landscape and allows them to target high-growth, underexploited markets.

8. Role of Experienced Venture Partners

Alongside Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, Mantis’s leadership benefits significantly from the venture expertise of Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch. These partners bring seasoned insight into deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management, balancing the creative energy of the celebrity founders with industry-standard investing discipline. This hybrid leadership model enhances Mantis’s credibility and effectiveness in supporting early-stage companies.

9. Impact and Influence within the Startup Ecosystem

Mantis Ventures is rapidly establishing itself as a preferred partner for founders and other top-tier venture firms. The firm has cultivated symbiotic relationships with leading venture capitalists such as Sequoia Capital and Scale Venture Partners, facilitating co-investments and expanded support networks for portfolio companies. This collaborative industry positioning enhances access to expertise, capital, and market opportunities, magnifying Mantis’s positive impact on startups.

10. Looking Forward: Future Prospects and Expansion

With a strong third fund raised and an expanding portfolio of innovative startups, Mantis Ventures is poised for notable growth. The firm aims to continue supporting disruptive startups through capital investment, strategic guidance, and leveraging unique networks. Their future roadmap includes expanding into new technology verticals and deepening involvement in emerging areas like AI-powered enterprise solutions. Given their track record, Mantis Ventures is expected to play a key role in shaping the next wave of technological innovation.

Conclusion

Mantis Ventures exemplifies a new breed of venture capital firms that blend unique backgrounds, extensive networks, and innovative investment strategies. Founded by celebrated musicians turned entrepreneurs and complemented by experienced venture professionals, Mantis champions early-stage technology startups with strong growth potential. The firm’s ability to integrate creative perspectives with rigorous investing has led to impressive fundraising milestones, a dynamic portfolio, and a respected position in the VC world. As Mantis Ventures moves forward, it remains a fascinating study in how passion, creativity, and savvy investing converge to fuel the future of technological innovation. What new industries might they disrupt next? Only time will tell.