Marcy Venture Partners, the investment firm co-founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, hip-hop’s first billionaire and one of America’s leading Black billionaires, is in advanced talks to merge with the investment arm of Pendulum Holdings. The deal could create a new entity managing over $1 billion in assets, marking a significant step for Marcy Ventures.
Building a consumer powerhouse
Founded in 2018 by Jay-Z alongside Jay Brown and Larry Marcus, Marcy Ventures has carved out a niche in the consumer and culture space. The firm’s portfolio boasts investments in companies like Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, beauty brand Merit Beauty, cookware company Our Place, and parenting resource Babylist.
Notably, Marcy Ventures has shown a keen eye for emerging food trends, backing companies like vegan chicken producer Simulate, oat milk giant Oatly, and plant-based meat pioneer Impossible Foods.
Beyond consumer and food, Marcy Ventures has ventured into tech, with investments in cybersecurity firms, smartphone accessory companies, and even electric bicycles. Past investments include stakes in StockX, a prominent sneaker marketplace, and Therabody, a leader in percussive therapy devices.
Merger brings complementary strengths
A potential merger with the investment arm of Pendulum Holdings would unite Marcy Ventures’ focus on consumer brands with Pendulum’s broader investment strategy. Pendulum, founded by the husband-and-wife team of Robbie and D’Rita Robinson, features a diverse portfolio that includes investments in Chinese food brand Fly by Jing Inc., restaurant group Founders Table, and co-working space provider Saltbox.
The proposed move comes as Jay-Z continues to solidify his position as a major force in the business world. Having achieved billionaire status in 2019, his net worth doubled to $2.5 billion by 2024, according to Forbes, placing him among the world’s richest. Strategic divestments, like the recent sale of a majority stake in D’Usse cognac to Bacardi, and a sizable settlement from a long-standing legal battle have further bolstered his financial standing.
This potential merger with Pendulum underscores Jay-Z’s continued commitment to growing his business empire beyond music. With a combined $1 billion in assets under management, the new entity would be well-positioned to make even bigger waves in the investment world.
