Serena Williams' Venture Capital Firm Empowers Underrepresented Founders

Tennis superstar Serena Williams has ventured into the world of investing, driven by a sense of missing, investing in major tech companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Google, which are now valued at over $100 billion. Her curiosity led her to Silicon Valley, where she educated herself on investing and startups.

Williams' fascination with early-stage startups, particularly those founded by women and underrepresented groups, led her to establish Serena Ventures in 2014 alongside Alison Rapaport Stillman. The firm aims to empower women and underrepresented founders, with a portfolio that is 68% women or people of color, a rarity in the venture capital world. "Our portfolio right now as it stands is 68% women or persons of color, and that is unheard of in the VC world," Williams stated.

Why this matters: The underrepresentation of women and people of color in venture capital funding has significant implications for the diversity of entrepreneurship and innovation. By addressing this disparity, initiatives likeSerena Ventures can help create a more inclusive business landscape and unlock opportunities for underserved communities.

Serena Ventures has invested in companies like Esusu, a fintech company that reached a $1 billion valuation in 2022, as well as Parfait, Karat, and Calico, among others. Williams' investment track record positioned her to launch a fund, which was announced in 2022 and totals $111 million, aiming to support early-stage startups. "I worked on doing more deals, ended up getting about 16 unicorns in my portfolio. So that way I would have a good track record, 'cause I knew it wouldn't be probably easy for us to raise a fund first go-around,"she explained.

Williams' journey into venture capital began with lessons in financial management from her father, Richard Williams, at a young age. These early lessons have been instrumental in her ability to negotiate deals and partnerships. After retiring from tennis in 2022, Serena has dedicated her time to growing Serena Ventures and addressing the disparity in venture capital funding for underrepresented groups.

Through Serena Ventures, Williams has invested in over 20 companies, with 68% of the portfolio founded by women and people of color. Her dedication to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs highlights her commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse business landscape. Serena Williams' efforts through Serena Ventures aim to bridge the gap in venture capital funding and provide opportunities for women and people of color to succeed in the business world.

Key Takeaways

• Serena Williams established Serena Ventures in 2014 to empower women and underrepresented founders.
• 68% of Serena Ventures' portfolio is comprised of women or people of color, a rarity in venture capital.
• Serena Ventures has invested in companies like Esusu, Parfait, and Karat, with a $111 million fund.
• Serena Williams learned financial management from her father, instrumental in her deal-making and partnerships.
• Serena Ventures aims to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for underrepresented groups.