Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. We do VC differently through standout strategies, bold initiatives, and a global network of investors, business leaders, and influencers. Required fields are marked *. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. Her partner Alison Rapaport Stillman backs Serena while stating that VCs ignore products and services made for audiences theyre unfamiliar with, even those representing massive markets with loyal customers. The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. General Partner Alison Rapaport Stillman, who majored in finance and operations at Wharton as an undergrad, has said people have finally realized that inequity exists in all aspects of life. Have a great Thursday. I feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. William states, Its fun to get in there. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. At the start of February 2022, Emma and Dan travelled to Hualalai, Kona, in Hawaii. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. With a presence in the USA, India and the MENA region, they ensure that all of your financial decisions are made carefully and with your best interests in mind. Serena Ventures has a market cap of $14 billion and 29 active investments. I was someone who lived my life to be on a conveyor belt. This post is intended solely for general informational or educational purposes only. Yet, because of the areas they want to serve, Alison says they still naturally fund women, Black and Latinx founders. Stillman said it scored companies in due diligence across a number of metrics. Dan Rapaport father Marc Rapaport is a real estate agent from Los Angeles. So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. Even though Marc frequently played golf with Dan, it wasn't until August 2020 that his father attended one of his games at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in New York and watched him as an audience. That makes pitching less intimidating, because it can be difficult to find an introduction on Sand Hill Road, especially if youre not in Silicon Valley. They want to work with us because they know that we will come to them from a place of empathy, said Alison. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. It is dominated by men who try to solve problems and fund innovation for a nation that is rich in socioeconomic diversity yet neither funders nor founders adequately represent our nation. My first time pitching was terrible. Like, look at what we have done.. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. Just to be clear, you dont have to be a person of color or a woman to be in our fund, Williams says. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. Founded in 2014 by tennis legend Serena Williams, Serena Ventures is an early-stage fund that embraces diverse founders and the ideas theyre serving up. Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. Dan and Emma strolled in the streets near Three Lakes, Wisconsin, in September 2020 with Bud. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. env: 'prod', Alison's role is Manager: Dog mom . Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. aid: '782078', Sitting in a room for six months brainstorming to find a white space with a huge market opportunity is not the way to build a company. At the end of the day, Alison says VCs have a responsibility to change the way they do things and see new ideas and perspectives on markets. Angel, Fund of Funds, Venture Capital), Number of Investments the Individual has partnered in, Announced Date: Date when the Investment is announced, Organization Name: Name of the organization that received the investment, Investor Name: Name of the investor who participated in the Investment, Lead Investor: This field indicates whether an investor led/organized the investment, Funding Round: Name of the funding round where the Investment is made, Money Raised: Amount of money raised in Funding Round, Total number of current Jobs the person has, Organization Name: This is the name of the organization, Title At Company: Title of a Person's Job, Start Date: Start date of the Person's Job, CB Rank (Hub): Algorithmic rank assigned to the top 100,000 most active Hubs, Total number of events the individual appeared in, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Finance and Operations & Information Management. "The founder can't be doing everything," Stillman said. With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Serena Ventures' portfolio companies span a variety of industries, but Stillman said there were a few areas it had always been interested in. Women of Power Summit To raise a child it takes a village. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. That constant sense of regret for not having taken up golf at a younger age compelled him not to let his kids have the same mistake. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. The investment firm led by the tennis star is already an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies that includes SendWave, MasterClass and Daily Harvest. Previous to Serena Ventures, Alison worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase, as well as in talent management for several athletes. Dana: What trends are you excited to see in the world of consumer? Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. Im a firm believer that success comes from focusing on the skills you want to develop and the people you want to work for rather than fixating on job titles. But it is important to have a founder who can be self-aware, handle feedback, and build a team to help them be successful. Right now, the firm is excited about companies that address aging. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. Thanks for being part of ours! Still, 76% of Serena Ventures portfolio founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. When he posted an Ask Me Anything during Q&A sessions, one user commented whether he is related to Ian or Michael, to which he replied, "Negative." When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. Kyra is the Operations Manager for Serena Ventures where she oversees the day-to-day operations for the team and helps manage LPs, Portfolio Founders, and prospective investment companies. We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Insider chatted with Stillman about how to land a spot in the Serena Ventures portfolio. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Previously, Alison was a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and Read More Contact Alison Stillman's Phone Number and Email Last Update 11/24/2022 9:52 AM Email a***@serenaventures.com Engage via Email Contact Number (***) ***-**** Engage via It's not the only thing." Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. The former world no one tennis player and winner of 23 grand slam singles titles, Serena Williams, has her name written in golden words in the history of world tennis. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. This is something Ive been doing for a really, really, really long time and its something that I absolutely love and Im super passionate about., Despite her busy schedule, Williams spends six or seven hours a day on her investing work: I love looking at new companies, I love talking to founders, I absolutely love passing on the knowledge that Ive been able to get and being able to impact other people.. cnx.cmd.push(function() { I hurriedly picked a dress, which luckily fit, and jumped on the call. Alison: Dont get bangs it is not worth it! }); EVENTS url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', Dan often goes golfing with Marc where as Sheri stays as home waiting for them ( Source : instagram ). Dog mom . Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. Also, invest in a few good people and dont try to please everyone. That is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article. Anyone can read what you share. Early Stage Venture Investors Female Founded Venture Capital Investors, Western US Venture Capital Female Founded Companies, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Companies, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Micro VCs, Female Founded Early Stage Venture Investors with Investments in San Francisco, California, Finance Companies With Fewer Than 10 Employees (Top 10K), United States Investors with Funds Raised in 2022, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Investors. Lets just be honest, you know I couldnt just say Oh Im going to do this and have fun with it. The funds limited partners include Norwest Venture Partners, Capital G (Alphabets growth fund) and LionTree. What motivates me is our mission to make lives better and ensure that others in the venture industry and ecosystem see the value in innovation for all by all. Partner @Serenaventures. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Another important factor is making sure that a founder is coachable. Have a great Thursday. Prospective investors considering an investment into any 500 Startups fund should not consider or construe this content as fund marketing material. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. } Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014. As she learned more about the world of funding, Williams was shocked by the inequities. Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. A week later, she asked me to come to her house and present some ideas to her. A founder should hire a team around themselves and hire for what they are not. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. My path to Serena Ventures started with another sports superstar, ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Since then, she and her partner, Alison Rapaport Stillman, have made angel investments in over 60 companies, including the edtech unicorns like MasterClass and consumer-product startups like Billie and Daily Harvest. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), This describes the type of investor the person is (e.g. All views and opinions presented herein by such third party participants do not represent those of 500 Startups or any of its affiliates or representatives. Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. Previously, Alison was a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and Read More Contact Alison Stillman's Phone Number and Email Last Update 11/24/2022 9:52 AM Email a***@serenaventures.com Engage via Email Contact Number (***) ***-**** Engage via Even with her success and her privilege, she knows shes held to a different standard as a Black woman. But she still finds that VCs ignore products and services made for audiences theyre not familiar with, even those representing massive markets with loyal customers. Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, finding companies that solve bigger consumer problems. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Dan posted a congratulations tweet in August 2022 as she represented the company in the New York Stock Exchange. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Business partners. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Business partners. In her next chapter, Williams said she planned to focus on her venture-capital firm, Serena Ventures. Behavioral Aspects in Decision Making (Part 2), Emerging trends in Life Insurance and how to choose the right plan. We made our founders feel like we are partners who can help them grow, she said. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. subcat: '', url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. To take a closer look at how Serena Ventures developed its diverse portfolio and pipeline, Alison recently joined 500 Startups CEO Christine Tsai for a fireside chat at the 2021 Unity and Inclusion Summit. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. General Partner Alison Rapaport Stillman, who majored in finance and operations at Wharton as an undergrad, has said people have finally realized that inequity exists in all aspects of life. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts. Serena Williams founded Serena Ventures in 2014. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. pos: 'right_rail_2', It receives about 200 pitches there a week, and Stillman said they read each one. Dan popped the question to Emma in Friday Harbor, Washington in October 2021 ( Source : instagram ). Alisa Gumbs is the executive managing editor of BLACK ENTERPRISE, planning and creating content across the company's print, digital, events, and broadcast platforms. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. Alison: Skincare. Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. She has brought so much joy to our family and is a living reminder that there is a world beyond my screen. My friends were asking questions that I didnt have the answers to, but I got better with time and more practice. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. I dont gamble. Founders should send a deck with their pitch even if it's just a "teaser deck." Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 We are in a moment when people have finally realized that inequity exists in all aspects of life what many of us have known for a long time. In addition to growing the reach and impact of the SV portfolio, Alison is the person founders turn to when they need pointed advice, detailed feedback, and tough love. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Ms. Williams, who holds 23 Grand Slam tennis titles, was inspired by a talk between Caryn Seidman-Becker, the chief executive of the security company Clear, and Jamie Dimon, the head of JPMorgan Chase. Thats my job, to make the unfamiliar familiar she said. page_type: 'article', It is dominated by men who try to solve problems and fund innovation for a nation that is rich in socioeconomic diversity yet neither funders nor founders adequately represent our nation. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. Marc works as a credit approval principal at Thorofare Capital. For fans of Williams, this year's US Open was likely a bittersweet moment. In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. Alison Stillman's job functions are Entrepreneurship, Operations, Alison Stillman's LinkedIn profile can be found at, https://linkedin.com/in/aliso***illman-cfa***. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. Serena agrees that there is a social purpose to that decision. Her partner Alison Rapaport Stillman backs Serena while stating that VCs ignore products and services made for audiences theyre unfamiliar with, even those representing massive markets with loyal customers. SistersInc. Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. subcat: '', We dont fit the mold of venture.. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Alison Stillman has 1+ years experience as Partner. aid: '782078', The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. He worked for numerous organisations in various positions, including manager, director, and executive. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. subcat: '', When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { targeting: { This isnt new for me, she says. The same goes for actor Michael Rapaport. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. Previously, Alison was a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and Read More Contact Alison Stillman's Phone Number and Email Last Update 11/24/2022 9:52 AM Email a***@serenaventures.com Engage via Email Contact Number (***) ***-**** Engage via NFL insider Ian has a brother named Jake Rapaport. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Black Men XCEL Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Dana Iverson is a contributing writer at All Raise. There has been a lot of innovation outside of the home, but now with consumers spending most of their days at home we have the opportunity to think through how to make home life better. That includes companies that focus on issues from mobility to menopause to deathtech, Stillman said. Serena Ventures is led by world-class athlete, businesswoman, and philanthropist Serena Williams, and Alison Rapaport Stillman, who has previously worked at J.P. Morgan, Wasserman, and Melo7Tech Partners. Williams understands firsthand the plight of founders of color. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. They are innovators who understand what goes into building companies. She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. It is not us versus them. Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Still, one key factor the firm looks for in an investment opportunity is whether the company is tapping into a sizable market that it's excited about. Its time we all play on the same court. I want to highlight that we do not invest in women and people of color to simply check a box, Rapaport Stillman told the online publication All Raise. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. As a Senior Associate, Veronica sources, conducts diligence, and provides portfolio support at Serena Ventures. The firm, which announced an $111 million fund in March, already included a portfolio of 60 firms from Williams earliest investment activity; she wrote one of the first checks for Masterclass, and was also an early backer of Marc attend Dan's game for the first time as an audience in August 2020 at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, New York ( Source : instagram ). But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. Dan took to Instagram to post a picture of the two as they flaunt the ring from a resort rooftop in Friday Harbor, Washington. Like thats not even possible, thats near perfect., I couldnt wrap my mind around basically almost 100% of money is going to the men., And thats when Williams investing mission was formed: I wanted to really bring diversity to VC in the way that I could.