The Chainsmokers' Mantis Ventures Closes $100M Fund for B2B Startups
Mantis Ventures—the venture capital firm co-founded by The Chainsmokers' Alex Pall and Drew Taggart—has successfully closed its third fund, raising $100 million in commitments. This move comes amid a challenging fundraising climate for many VCs, making the fund’s 25% increase over its previous $80 million raise especially noteworthy.If you’ve been wondering what makes this fund different from typical celebrity-backed ventures, the answer lies in its surprising approach: a strong focus on B2B startups, not consumer brands. While celebrity investors often lean into lifestyle or entertainment startups, Mantis is carving a different path—one rooted in enterprise software, AI, and cybersecurity.
Image Credits:Lucas Taggart
Why Mantis Ventures Is Betting Big on B2B Startups
Unlike other celebrity-led funds that often chase flashy consumer apps or fashion brands, Mantis Ventures has consistently prioritized business-focused technology. Notable investments include Chainguard, a cybersecurity firm, and Rogo, an AI-powered financial analysis startup. This strategic focus might seem unusual given the entertainment background of its co-founders, but it’s part of a deliberate move to back sustainable, scalable technologies. Pall and Taggart argue that B2B startups offer more long-term value, particularly in sectors that are ripe for disruption like enterprise security and AI-driven data tools. Their decisions reflect a deeper understanding of startup fundamentals, not just headline appeal—a key reason why their fund is gaining credibility in the tech ecosystem.
How The Chainsmokers Are Leveraging Fame for Enterprise Growth
It’s easy to assume that celebrity-led VCs would have limited value in B2B markets, where enterprise clients care more about ROI than star power. However, Mantis Ventures is flipping that narrative. The Chainsmokers have performed for nearly every Fortune 500 company, giving them rare access to corporate executives and enterprise decision-makers. This network has turned into a powerful asset for the firm’s portfolio companies. According to Pall, these connections are actively used to facilitate customer introductions, drive early sales, and open doors that might otherwise take months to crack. This kind of strategic networking—powered by authentic industry relationships—proves that celebrity status, when used wisely, can be a real differentiator even in the enterprise space.
Mantis Ventures Fund III Signals Confidence in VC’s Future
In today’s volatile venture capital environment, where even seasoned firms are struggling to close new funds, the success of Mantis Ventures stands out. A 25% growth in fund size, totaling $100 million, is a signal not just of investor confidence but also of the fund’s growing reputation. While other celebrity funds have flamed out or failed to evolve, Mantis is adapting to the realities of 2025 venture investing by leaning into sectors with tangible long-term value. Their approach—backing founders in complex, high-growth B2B verticals and pairing that with unmatched access to corporate networks—sets a new bar for what celebrity VCs can achieve. As enterprise tech continues to thrive, expect Mantis to remain a rising force in the venture capital world.
Post a Comment