‘Tell me about this 2 percent’ – Serena Williams Shocked by Investment Realities

Serena Williams is a strong-minded, hardworking, and very successful personality. She has conquered nearly every field she sets foot in.  The 23-times Grand slam winner not only reached highs of the Tennis world. She has also achieved success in the Fashion world, with her “S-collection”.

Founded in 2014, Serena Ventures entered the investment world. It has around 60 companies in its portfolio with a variety of businesses. Serena Williams spoke to New York Times’ Dealbook Newsletter about her investments and how she entered the world of investment.  

Serena entering the world of investments

After huge success in the world of Tennis, Serena Williams was on top of the world. Commenting on an investment firm, Serena Williams told Dealbook that she was in discussion with after Caryn Seidman-Becker, CEO of Clear, who told then 26-years old Serena that ‘less than 2% of venture money goes to women.’

Amused, younger Williams went to the speaker and clarified her doubt, “Tell me about this 2 percent — I know maybe you misspoke,” Williams said. But that was the fact then. It inspired Serena to go big in this industry, and Serena Venture got a new vision.

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She also said, “I’ve always been fascinated with technology, and I’ve always loved how it really shapes our lives. When I met Alexis that was our first conversation. That’s how we met. I was talking about investments.”

Serena Williams Ventures

Currently, Serena Williams Ventures has many investments, including 3 in Nigeria. She preferably chose to help out underrepresented founders. As the majority of her investments share – 76% to be exact are on such companies.Also, 47% of founders are Black and 53% are Women. 12% of the founders are Latino, which indicates the diversity Serena Ventures have covered. (Data represented as per the Official website of the firm)

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Her investments are also mainly into Tech Companies as she praises the impact of technology in human lives. Here, also it is not just Currency related technology but investments ranging from Education, Social, Enterprise, E-commerce, and health-Sports technologies.