Serena Williams is widely revered for her unparalleled achievements on the tennis court; but she has also established herself in business and philanthropy circles. At 40 years old with 23 Grand Slam singles titles under her belt, Williams stands as a pioneer not only within tennis but in numerous entrepreneurial and charitable ventures as well. Her fashion line, S by Serena, is designed to empower women through inclusive and accessible styles, featuring diverse, fun, and authentic designs. This venture reflects her commitment to inclusivity, a value that permeates all her business pursuits.
Moreover, Serena Williams Jewelry stands out for its ethical approach. The brand emphasizes responsibly made pieces using ethically sourced, conflict-free diamonds and precious metals. This jewelry line is crafted in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council, ensuring adherence to the highest standards in environmental sustainability, health, safety, and labor and human rights.
Venture Capital Visionary
Perhaps her most significant business venture is Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund. Founded with the mission to support diverse and creative founders, Serena Ventures is changing the business landscape. The firm currently boasts over 50 portfolio companies with a combined market cap of $33 billion, with 60 percent being diverse founder investments. This includes mission-driven companies like Esusu, a rent reporting platform; HUED, a healthcare startup; and Fiveable, a social learning platform. These investments mirror Williams’ dedication to backing visionary entrepreneurs, especially those who are often overlooked in the traditional venture capital world.
In a 2020 op-ed for CNN Business, Williams highlighted the challenges faced by Black female founders in the venture capital space. She pointed out the systemic inequities and biases that these entrepreneurs encounter, especially regarding the skepticism they face from investors. Serena Ventures stands as a counter to these challenges, investing in early-stage entrepreneurs, often with just a vision, and providing them with the necessary support to realize their dreams.
Empowering HBCU Founders
Extending her influence further, Serena Ventures recently partnered with MaC Venture Capital and actor Michael B. Jordan to create a startup pitch competition specifically for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) founders. This competition, offering up to $1 million in structured safe investments, aims to highlight and support the entrepreneurial talent emerging from HBCUs. This initiative fits within the firm’s overall goal of encouraging diversity and inclusion within business environments.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond her business ventures, Williams is deeply committed to philanthropic efforts. In 2018, she and her family founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in memory of her late half-sister. The YPRC is dedicated to providing resources for those affected by trauma, working with community partners to offer trauma-informed programs. This initiative reflects her dedication to fostering healing and resilience within communities, showcasing her commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on society.
A Role Model On and Off the Court
Serena Williams’ journey is an outstanding example of her unyielding commitment to breaking barriers and championing inclusivity, in both sport and business. Her ventures go far beyond mere profit-making – they reflect her vision for an equitable society infused with her values and beliefs. A tennis legend, businesswoman, venture capitalist, philanthropist – Serena continues to inspire future generations and show them that impact can extend far beyond any specific field of expertise.
