Serena Williams, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, stepped away from professional play in 2022 after an extraordinary career that garnered her worldwide recognition. However, her journey hasn’t stopped. Instead, she has turned her focus to the world of business.
At the age of 43, Williams is the driving force behind Serena Ventures, a venture capital fund she founded in 2017. This fund aims to uplift early-stage companies, especially those created by women and people of color. Even while she was dominating the tennis world, she was building a fund that has now raised $111 million and invested in over 60 startups.
Serena Ventures is a small team of seven members, including Williams herself. Their mission is to support businesses that make a positive difference in the daily lives of people. Among the fund’s investments are innovative companies such as Parfait, which uses AI for personalized wigs and hair extensions, and Halp, which assists students in finding affordable options for studying abroad. Other notable investments include Boss Beauty, a media outlet, and Wile, which offers plant-based supplements aimed at women over 40.
In addition to her venture capital endeavors, Williams launched Wyn Beauty, her own makeup line featuring vegan products with minimal chemical ingredients. She has also become a part owner of sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins.
During her recent appearance at the DealBook Summit 2024, where she spoke with event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin, Williams shared insights into her competitive spirit and family dynamics. She remarked that while her father, Richard Williams, is often seen as strict, her mother, Oracene Price, is “way tougher,” highlighting the strong influences in her life.
With her ventures continuing to thrive, Serena Williams proves that retirement from tennis is not the end but rather a new beginning filled with opportunities for growth and impact in other fields.
