Pete McEntegart, a 57-year-old North Carolinian with a background as a Goldman Sachs investment banker, Sports Illustrated columnist, and startup co-founder, has transitioned into a career as a stand-up comedian under the name Pete Smack. The shift began on Christmas Day a few years ago when McEntegart had an epiphany during a run, realizing he wanted to take one more big swing before he got too old.
To fund his comedic venture, Smack became the first entertainer to solicit investors on the startup crowdfunding service Wefunder. By early last year, he raised nearly $60,000 from 104 investors, with most contributing between $100 and $150. Smack spent $5,000 on lawyers to set up the seed round, which is a legitimate investment regulated by the SEC.
Smack offered investors a chance to split 10% of his gross revenues through 2029. On Jan. 1, 2030, these investments convert to equity at a $1 million pre-money valuation. In his pitch, Smack stated, “You can’t have a truly diversified portfolio if you’re not directly invested in a standup comedian.” He also noted, “While I can’t guarantee what your financial return will be — the lawyers were pretty adamant about that,” but expressed confidence that backers would have a "fun and entertainingly documented ride."
Smack’s business plan focuses on corporate gigs, cruise ships, and “55 and greater” active-living communities. He emphasizes his status as a clean comic, noting, “CLEAN = GREEN ($$$).” He provided investors with revenue projections through 2029, estimating a conservative return of $55,000, an upside case of $116,500, and a dream case of $228,000.
Smack’s history with comedy dates back to the 1990s when he wrote sitcom scripts. While writing a “Seinfeld” spec, he wrote stand-up material for Jerry and found it came naturally. In 1996, he signed up for an open mic in Virginia that was canceled because no one showed up, leading him to perform for two roommates using a ping-pong paddle as a microphone. Nearly a decade later, while living in New York and writing for Sports Illustrated, he took a comedy class and participated in a showcase but had not yet attempted a real stand-up career.
Smack used his seed money to film a special titled “Last Man Standing,” which debuted on VOD platforms via Comedy Dynamics on Sept. 22. He believes the funds will last a few years, aided by low costs after moving in with his mother following his father's death in 2024. He reports that he brought in $18,497 in revenue in 2025 with $9,585 in expenses, and says 2026 is on a similar pace.
Smack is currently working on a TV pilot based on his life, exploring corporate speaking engagements, and preparing a new hour-long show for the Edinburgh Fringe. In an October newsletter, he shared working titles for the new show, including “A Happy Schmedium,” “Time Flies,” “Time Flew,” and “Time Is a Fat Circle.”
