LORENZO THIONE

Lorenzo Thione is a distinguished Managing Director at Gaingels, a global venture capital firm and angel network renowned for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem. At Gaingels, Thione plays a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing promising early-stage companies, with a strong emphasis on those founded by LGBTQ+ leaders and other underrepresented groups. His work at Gaingels aligns with the firm's mission to drive both financial returns and social impact by investing in diverse teams and fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Thione's investment focus areas are broad but often center on technology-driven ventures. Given his background, he is particularly interested in sectors such as artificial intelligence, SaaS, fintech, consumer technology, and digital media. He seeks out companies that demonstrate strong innovation, scalable business models, and a clear vision for growth, all while championing diverse leadership. His expertise helps Gaingels portfolio companies navigate complex market challenges and achieve their full potential.

Before his impactful tenure at Gaingels, Lorenzo Thione built an impressive career as a serial entrepreneur and technology executive. He co-founded and served as CEO of StartOut, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. This experience deeply informs his current investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. Thione was also a co-founder and CTO of Powerset, a natural language search engine company that was famously acquired by Microsoft, becoming a foundational component of Bing search. He also co-founded The Social Edge, a digital media company later acquired by Live Nation, further showcasing his acumen in building successful technology enterprises. His career also includes a unique venture into Broadway production, highlighting his diverse interests and capabilities.

While specific individual investments by Lorenzo Thione are often part of Gaingels' collective portfolio, his influence is evident in the firm's strategic choices. Gaingels has invested in hundreds of companies across various stages, consistently backing ventures that align with its diversity mandate. Thione's deep understanding of technology, coupled with his passion for supporting diverse founders, makes him a key figure in the venture capital world, driving both financial success and meaningful social change through his investments and leadership at Gaingels.