Invest Like The Best
Episode 430 Music & Markets
Invest Like The Best

Episode 430: Music & Markets

Invest Like The Best

Episode 430

Music & Markets

Alex Pall and Drew Taggart are The Chainsmokers and the founders of Mantis VC. We cover their journey from aspiring DJs to global superstars and successful venture capitalists, what it means to be authentic in an age of algorithms, and how the creative process has guided their approach to venture.

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Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best

(00:06:16) The Creative Process Behind Songwriting

(00:07:33) Exploring the Emotional Depths of Music

(00:11:50) Navigating the Music Industry and AI

(00:17:45) The Importance of World Building in Music

(00:21:27) Finding Your Creative Itch

(00:35:04) The Chainsmokers' Journey and Work Ethic

(00:40:37) The Business Side of the Chainsmokers

(00:45:43) Venturing into Tech and Investments

(00:51:39) The Evolution of Mantis

(00:53:11) Overcoming Celebrity Investor Stereotypes

(00:55:20) Supporting Founders Like Record Labels

(00:57:26) The Art of Collaboration

(01:04:02) The Grind to Success

(01:13:49) Investing Insights and Evolution

(01:26:39) The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done for Drew and Alex

Music & Markets

Introduction

Patrick
My guests today are Alex Pall and Drew Taggart. You might know them as The Chainsmokers. We explore their fascinating evolution from scrappy DJs to global superstars to serious venture capitalists with their fund Mantis.

Drew and Alex share how the same high-touch, relationship-driven approach that built their music empire now defines their investment philosophy. Their frameworks for backing founders mirrors their artistic approach. They invest in obsessive individuals who will pursue their visions regardless of external validation, much as they've remained authentic to their sound despite industry pressures.

We discuss parallels between creative iteration in music and venture investing, particularly around managing failure, maintaining intentionality in an age of abundance, and the importance of taste as a differentiating factor. Please enjoy this fascinating discussion with The Chainsmokers, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart.

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