Mantle App: Showcase Your Sports Cards & Collectibles

Mantel Launches Mobile App for Collectors

Alexis Ohanian, a co-founder of Reddit, joined forces with Brent Montgomery, known for producing “Pawn Stars,” and Evan Parker, previously the general manager at The Athletic, to establish Mantel. This new social network is designed for collectors to showcase their acquisitions, encompassing items like sports cards, trading card games (TCGs), comic books, coins, stamps, sneakers, and watches.

Expanding Accessibility with a Mobile App

Initially accessible solely through a web browser, Mantel has now released its mobile application on Wednesday. This provides collectors with a more convenient method to connect with fellow enthusiasts. The app is currently available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, offering a dedicated space for hobbyists to share their passion.

Key Features of the Mantel App

The app boasts several notable features. “Mantelpiece” functions as a digital display case, allowing users to exhibit their prized collectibles and potentially attract trade offers.

Gamification elements, including streaks, polls, and badges, are integrated to enhance user engagement. Beyond the primary feed displaying posts from other collectors, users can access market reports and insights from industry experts.

Introducing “Groups” for Niche Interests

Alongside the app launch, Mantel introduced a “Groups” feature. This allows users to create and join communities centered around specific collecting interests, such as “NBA Junk Wax” or “Vintage Non-Sports Cards.” Currently, this feature is web-based, with plans for integration into the iOS and Android apps in the coming weeks.

Addressing a Gap in the Collectibles Market

The collectibles market is substantial, valued at $493 billion, and includes numerous apps. However, many of these platforms prioritize sales transactions. This focus may discourage individuals who simply wish to display their collections and connect with others.

Furthermore, while many social networks exist, Mantel specifically targets dedicated enthusiasts who prefer a platform separate from mainstream social media.

A Focus on Community and Sharing

“There isn’t a strong platform for content sharing within the collectible space,” stated Parker, co-founder and CEO, in an interview with TechCrunch. “We don’t see anyone else doing what we are.”

While trading and selling are permitted on Mantel, the primary emphasis remains on fostering a community and facilitating sharing. Integration with Stripe and private messaging for transactions is planned for 2025, but the development of an in-app marketplace is not currently under consideration, given the existing competition from platforms like eBay and CardsHQ.

The Founding Team’s Passion for Collecting

The creation of Mantel stems from a shared passion for collecting among the founding trio. They aimed to build a platform that they themselves would find enjoyable to use.

Parker described himself as having a lifelong “collector’s gene,” with interests ranging from sports cards to watches. His collaboration with Ohanian and Montgomery, who shared his enthusiasm, led to the development of Mantel.

Strong Backing from Investors

“Alexis is a dedicated collector, and Brent has experience in the collecting world through his work on ‘Pawn Stars’ and his understanding of community building from Reddit,” Parker explained.

Mantel has secured investment from prominent sources, 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. Both Ohanian’s SevenSevenSix and Montgomery’s Wheelhouse Entertainment have also invested in the platform.

Growing User Base and Engagement

While the exact user numbers remain undisclosed, Mantel reports having “thousands” of users. These users are actively engaged, averaging over 30 comments or posts monthly and interacting with content more than 100 times each month. The platform currently hosts “tens of thousands” of posts.

Monetization Strategies Under Consideration

The app is currently free to download. However, the company is exploring potential monetization strategies, including advertising and offering premium access to certain Groups through a paywall.