How The Chainsmokers Built a $200M AUM Fund (Using 7 Proven Operating Principles)
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Jul 8, 2025
Two world-class DJs turned investors reveal their surprising journey from music stardom to a $200M investment firm. They discuss the challenges and sacrifices behind their success, emphasizing the importance of robust systems for sustainable growth. The duo highlights the need to embrace authenticity, both in creativity and investment strategies. Their insights on brand identity and long-term relationships offer actionable lessons for entrepreneurs aiming to connect deeply with their audience and build trust.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Chainsmokers' Early Hands-On Grind
The Chainsmokers started by personally managing all tasks, from booking flights to invoices and CRM systems.
This obsessive hands-on approach built a foundation that supported their later rapid growth seamlessly.
insights INSIGHT
Obsession Creates Competitive Edge
Obsession differentiates top performers who dig deep into craft and details from those who quit early.
Understanding your business deeply, like the Chainsmokers do, gives you a scaling edge others lack.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Obsession Questions Before Buying
Before buying a business, ask if you could obsess over it and remain curious for five years.
Also ask if you'd run it even without attention or recognition, because true ownership is personal.
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Few realize Drew and Alex of The Chainsmokers are world-class operators and disciplined investors --- with over 220 portfolio companies through their investment firm, Mantis.
In this solo deep dive, I break down the real Chainsmokers story — from sleeping on floors and running fan CRMs to building a systemized investment engine backed by General Catalyst and Mark Cuban.
Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Why This Episode Exists 00:01:54 - What Drives the Great Ones 00:04:43 - Sponsor: Scalepath 00:05:14 - Be Bad First, Then Get Good 00:07:31 - Systems Before Scale 00:10:29 - Two Questions Every Buyer Should Ask 00:14:01 - Sponsor: Spacebar Studios 00:15:14 - The Chainsmokers' Investments and Product Portfolio Today 00:19:20 - If Your Revenue Doubled Overnight, Would Your Systems Survive? 00:25:33 - Build Something Only You Can Build and Acquire 00:32:25 - People Don’t Trust People They Don’t See 00:34:58 - What It Looks Like in Year 10 00:36:35 - What Makes Long-Term Investing So Powerful: Everyone Else Burns Out 00:41:16 - Build a World, Not Just a Stack of Companies 00:47:01 - Fix the “Plumbing” Before You Scale 00:52:05 - Are You Building an Investment Firm Worth Joining?
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