TLDR:
- Mantis Venture Capital, founded by Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch in partnership with The Chainsmokers, focuses on building a generational fund with strong social capital.
- They prioritize founder support, access to opportunities, and concentration in Seed and Series A rounds.
Mantis Venture Capital, led by General Partner Jeffrey Evans, was founded with the goal of establishing a unique and respected generational fund. The partnership between Evans and Venture Capitalist Milan Koch, along with musicians The Chainsmokers, brought together a diverse group of individuals with a shared vision and commitment to success.
The fund, launched in 2020, aims to go beyond being just another celebrity fund by focusing on building deep and enduring relationships with founders and Tier 1 venture capital firms. Mantis prides itself on being founder-obsessed, with a commitment to supporting founders not only during the transaction but throughout their journey.
Mantis is currently in the process of fundraising for Mantis Fund III, which will target Seed and Series A rounds, aiming to be the second largest check after the lead investor. The fund’s strategy includes making concentrated investments in companies aligned with their criteria and vision.
The team at Mantis believes in the power of social capital and the importance of access in venture capital. They have built strong partnerships with founders and venture capital firms, leading to outsized return opportunities. Additionally, Mantis is focused on key emerging industries such as AI applications, cybersecurity, and healthtech, with each member of the investment team owning a specific industry major.
Looking ahead, Mantis is optimistic about the venture market in 2024, anticipating a resurgence in exit markets and a focus on sustainable business models. The fund will continue to support founders, deliver returns for partners, and build a sustainable network that fosters success for leading companies. Their advice for founders includes hiring right, proliferating their vision, and being capital efficient to ensure long-term success.
