“Harlem is really who I am, my ethos .... and so when I was thinking about my fund, what inspired me, it's my roots."
As a huge sports nerd and a New Yorker, I am so excited to bring you this chat with, Lorine Pendleton, founder and managing partner of 125 Ventures.
In this episode of Alone Together, Lorine and we dive deep into her inspiring journey—from Harlem kid, watching Yankees games from the press box with her godfather, the first Black sportswriter at the New York Times, to becoming a visionary investor reshaping the landscape of sports, media, and technology.
Lorine’s investment thesis is bold and personal: women's sports, media, entertainment, and tech at the intersection of innovation. Far from cherry-picking trendy sectors, Lorine has long been ahead of the curve, spotting seismic shifts well before mainstream investors noticed (and if you wear an Oura ring, there's your proof).
If you've ever wondered how personal identity and early experiences can drive exceptional investment insights, this episode is a must-listen.Join us as we explore:
- Harlem's Lasting Influence
How Lorine’s upbringing and community taught her the value of resilience, spotting overlooked opportunities, and staying true to her roots in everything she does.
- The Rise of Women's Sports
Why Lorine sees unprecedented potential in women's sports—not just as an investor, but as someone who’s spent years quietly supporting from the stands, long before stadiums filled up.
- Authenticity in Fundraising
Lorine candidly shares why genuine passion is her secret weapon in fundraising, even when navigating the tough realities of going solo in a challenging VC environment.
- Building a Team as a Solo GP
Why assembling a collaborative advisory team is essential, how she convinced industry leaders to join her journey, and the practical insights she’s gained along the way.
- Sports as More Than Investment
A thoughtful discussion on how sports offer access, inspiration, and social mobility, creating deeper societal impacts beyond just financial returns.
No clichés, just real insights from an investor who’s authentically reshaping venture capital by combining personal ethos with market foresight.
Subscribe for more candid conversations with the solo GPs and innovators quietly rewriting the rules of venture capital.