The Chainsmokers, the popular electronic dance music (EDM) duo, are taking their entrepreneurial spirit to the next level by launching Mantis Venture Capital, a formal fund that invests in B2B startups. Unlike many celebrity investors who opt for angel investing, Drew Taggart and Alex Pall are taking a more structured approach, investing out of a closed-end fund in industries that their celebrity status may not directly impact, such as security startups and analytics platforms.

At Disrupt 2024, Taggart, Pall, and Chainguard founder Dan Lorenc discussed how their unique blend of celebrity influence and business acumen can be a valuable asset to their portfolio companies. By leveraging their fame to open doors and provide access to networks, The Chainsmokers aim to provide more than just capital to their investees.

Mantis Venture Capital's focus on B2B startups marks a departure from the typical celebrity-backed investments in consumer-facing companies. This move signals a shift towards more strategic, high-growth investments that can benefit from the duo's business savvy and industry connections.

As The Chainsmokers continue to make waves in the venture capital scene, their involvement is likely to draw attention to the startups they back, providing an added layer of visibility and credibility. With Mantis Venture Capital, the EDM duo is poised to make a lasting impact on the startup ecosystem.