Robbie Robinson

Pendulum Holdings

When President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama returned to civilian life, they sought guidance from Robbie Robinson to navigate their financial affairs and the opportunities that come the way of a beloved president and first family. The hiring of Robinson by the former first family in some ways argued with Robbie Robinson’s image. As a financier and investor, Robinson has never sought the spotlight or approval of the industry at large. Instead, he has chosen to focus on doing what he loves and does best -- investing in and advising family and founder-led companies and dedicating the financial rewards of his investment success to meaningful causes identified alongside his wife and business partner D’Rita Robinson. Pendulum focuses on growth investments in companies led by founders of color, focusing on companies in the consumer sector. Pendulum concentrates on six segments of the consumer sector, where the team has experience and expertise: lifestyle & beauty, food & beverage, tech-enabled services, media, PR & creative, and health & wellness. Robinson always seeks to lead or co-lead deals and is disciplined on value. Prior to forming Pendulum, was a partner at BDT and Company (founded by Byron Trott), which merged with MSD Partners in 2023. He began his career in 1998 at Goldman Sachs. Mrs. Robinson is a former Baxter chemist and serial entrepreneur. The firm’s first fund launched in 2020 and raised $200 million. They are currently raising Fund II, seeking $300 - $350 million. The Robinsons established The Robbie Robinson Finish Line Scholarship in 2015 at Morehouse to provide last resort funding for graduating seniors and to date over 200 Morehouse students have received the scholarship.