Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, has quietly built an impressive portfolio as a venture capitalist since 2014. Over the past decade, her strategic investments in startups have blossomed into a venture fund valued at more than $110 million, backing 16 unicorns along the way.
Williams’ transition from tennis legend to venture investor began while she was still dominating the courts. Rather than waiting to retire, she started placing her own capital into early-stage companies, laying the groundwork for what would become a significant presence in the tech investment scene. Her approach was methodical, focusing on startups before they caught the attention of mainstream investors.
Early Investments Lay the Foundation for Serena Ventures
By 2019, Williams had already invested in 34 startups over five years, including notable names such as Daily Harvest, The Wing, Lola, and MasterClass. These investments illustrated her keen eye for emerging businesses with strong growth potential. Her venture firm, Serena Ventures, was publicly announced after she had already made considerable strides in the investment world.
Her early involvement in the startup ecosystem allowed Williams to identify opportunities that many traditional investors might miss. This strategy has paid off handsomely, positioning her fund among the more successful early-stage investors and contributing to the rise of multiple companies that have since achieved unicorn status.