Mantel’s App Lets Collectors Showcase Their Sports Cards and Other Valuable Treasures
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian partners with industry experts to create Mantel, a new social platform for collectors.
Mantel allows users to share

In February, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian teamed up with Brent Montgomery, a producer of the popular reality TV show "Pawn Stars," and Evan Parker, a former general manager at The Athletic, to launch Mantel. This social network allows collectors to share their latest finds, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and showcase their passion for collecting.
What is Mantel?
Mantel is a platform that brings together collectors of various items, including sports cards, trading card games (TCGs), comic books, coins, stamps, sneakers, watches, and more. Initially available only on the web, Mantel has now launched its mobile app, providing an easier way for collectors to connect with each other.
Key Features
The Mantel app offers several key features that make it stand out from other social networks:
- Mantelpiece: A digital display case where users can showcase their favorite collectibles and attract interest for trades.
- Gamification: Features like streaks, polls, and badges encourage engagement and competition among collectors.
- Market Reports and Insights: Users can access market trends and insights from industry influencers to help inform their collecting decisions.
A New Era in Collectibles
The $493 billion collectibles market is vast and diverse, with many collecting apps available. However, most of these platforms focus on sales rather than community building. Mantel aims to fill this gap by providing a dedicated space for collectors to share their passion and connect with others.
Founder’s Vision
Evan Parker, co-founder and CEO of Mantel, has always had a strong passion for collecting. He explained that the idea for Mantel was born out of his desire to create a platform that he would personally enjoy using. "I don’t see anybody in the collectible space doing what we’re doing," Parker told TechCrunch.
Investors and Users
Mantel has received investment from notable backers, including Courtside Ventures, Cosmic Venture Partners, Steve Aoki’s Aoki Labs, Switch Ventures, VaynerFund, former WNBA player Candace Parker, and Adam Hansmann, co-founder of The Athletic. While the company did not disclose the exact number of users, it mentioned that it is in the thousands.
Monetization Options
The app is free to download, but Mantel is considering monetization options such as advertising and placing certain groups behind a paywall.
Why Mantel Matters
Mantel has the potential to revolutionize the way collectors connect and share their passion for collecting. By providing a dedicated platform for enthusiasts, Mantel can help foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among collectors.
Why Collectors Need a Platform Like Mantel
The collectibles market is vast and diverse, with many different types of collectors and items to collect. However, most platforms focus on sales rather than community building. This can make it difficult for collectors to connect with others who share their interests.
Mantel aims to fill this gap by providing a dedicated space for collectors to share their passion and connect with others. By doing so, Mantel can help foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among collectors.
How Mantel Is Different
Unlike other social networks that focus on sales or general conversations, Mantel is designed specifically for collectors. The platform allows users to showcase their collections, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and access market trends and insights from industry influencers.
Conclusion
Mantel has the potential to revolutionize the way collectors connect and share their passion for collecting. By providing a dedicated platform for enthusiasts, Mantel can help foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among collectors. As the collectibles market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Mantel evolves and adapts to meet the needs of its users.
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