After retiring in September 2022, Serena Williams shifted her focus towards the investment sector, leveraging over a decade of investment experience to make a significant impact. In 2014, she founded Serena Ventures, a venture capital fund aimed at supporting women and underrepresented founders. Williams was motivated by the stark underrepresentation of these groups in venture capital funding, noting that less than 2% of all VC money went to women and even less to people of color. Her realization led her to invest in over 85 companies, emphasizing diversity and innovation.
Among her investments are healthcare startup HUED and AI-powered wig customization platform Parfait, both led by Black women, highlighting her commitment to diversity and representation in entrepreneurship. Serena Ventures' portfolio is remarkable for its focus on underrepresented founders, with 79% being from this group, including 54% women founders, 47% Black founders, and 11% Latino founders.
Williams's investment in MasterClass, valued at $2.75 billion in 2021, showcases her knack for identifying potential in early-stage companies. Her portfolio also includes investments in Impossible Foods, Noom, and Karat, further underscoring her diverse investment interests. Impressively, 14 of her portfolio companies have achieved unicorn status, reflecting their potential for rapid growth and innovation.
Serena Williams's venture into investment is a testament to her vision of creating more equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. Through Serena Ventures, she is not only diversifying the venture capital landscape but also empowering founders to achieve their dreams and disrupt industries.
