Jeffrey Evans

Jeffrey Evans is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Partner at MANTIS Venture Capital, a firm he established in partnership with the music duo The Chainsmokers—Alex Pall and Drew Taggart—and fellow entrepreneur Milan Koch. MANTIS, founded in 2020, focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as consumer technology, media, entertainment, and blockchain technology.134

Background and Career

Before his role at MANTIS, Evans co-founded TigerText, a pioneering messaging platform that allowed for controlled and impermanent communication. He served as CEO from 2009 to 2012, gaining valuable experience in navigating business challenges that now informs his venture capital approach.126 Additionally, he founded Buskin Records and BassLine Management, further showcasing his diverse background in both technology and the music industry.2

Evans holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Emory University and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. His career has also included significant roles such as Executive Chairman at Orion Talent and Vice President at On Assignment, where he honed his expertise in operations and management.25

Investment Philosophy

At MANTIS, Evans emphasizes the importance of leveraging social capital—relationships that can significantly enhance the growth potential of startups. He believes that celebrity involvement should go beyond mere marketing; instead, it should actively contribute to the success of the companies they invest in. This philosophy is evident in MANTIS's strategy to support founders through hands-on engagement rather than merely providing financial backing.134

Evans has articulated a clear vision for what makes a successful founder: passion, domain expertise, and resilience. He often compares effective founders to "Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner," highlighting the need for relentless pursuit of goals despite obstacles.1

Current Focus

Under Evans's leadership, MANTIS is currently raising its third fund while continuing to invest in innovative startups across various sectors including fintech, health tech, gaming, and AI applications. The firm aims to create a supportive ecosystem for founders by fostering deep relationships within the venture capital community.34