Serena Williams: From Tennis Prodigy to Business Mogul
Serena Williams is not just a name synonymous with tennis brilliance; she’s an icon of business acumen and entrepreneurial flair. At the tender age of 16, while most teenagers were still navigating high school hallways, Williams was sealing million-dollar deals. Her father, Richard Williams, was instrumental in shaping her financial prudence, even as she negotiated a staggering $13 million contract with Puma. Instead of handling the talks solo, Richard ensured Serena was at the table, learning the ropes from the get-go. These invaluable lessons have fueled her journey into the world of venture capitalism, a realm she now dominates with the same tenacity she showed on the court.
Fast forward to 2025, Serena Williams has not just retired from her illustrious tennis career but has also become a formidable figure in venture capital. At 43, she leads Serena Ventures, a firm dedicated to nurturing early-stage companies, with a keen focus on those spearheaded by women and minorities. Her recent conversation at the #UpfrontSummit with David Fialkow of General Catalyst shed light on her investment strategies. Williams candidly shared, “The one thing I had to wrap my head around was the inevitability of loss. Even with all due diligence, you can swing and miss. That’s the hardest part for me, though the hard work I relish.”
Such a mindset is a stark shift for a 23-time Grand Slam champion who built her career on an indomitable will to win. Her passion for venture capital ignited at a J.P. Morgan Chase conference, where she learned that less than 2% of VC funding went to women. This revelation spurred her into action. In her own words, “Someone who looks like me needs to start writing the big checks. Sometimes like attracts like.”
By 2025, Serena Ventures had successfully raised $111 million for its inaugural fund, backing over 60 diverse companies across various sectors such as health, technology, and sustainable fashion. Yet, Williams is not merely content with investing. Together with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, she is revolutionizing women’s sports.
Championing Women’s Sports: The Williams-Ohanian Legacy
In 2020, Alexis Ohanian became a founding investor in Angel City FC, an NWSL team based in Los Angeles, marking a significant step in supporting women’s sports. The Williams-Ohanian family, including their daughter Olympia, holds ownership stakes in the club. By 2024, the franchise’s valuation soared to $250 million with Disney’s Bob Iger and Willow Bay taking the helm as majority owners.
The couple’s ambitions didn’t stop there. They launched ATHLOS NYC, a groundbreaking event in women’s sports, featuring a prize pool of at least $500,000. Serena’s influence was pivotal, motivating Ohanian to push for equal pay. “Wouldn’t it be great if she played on a national team one day?” Ohanian once mused, to which Serena sharply replied, “Not until they pay her what she’s worth.” This defining moment prompted Ohanian to take action, buying a team and driving change in the sports industry.
Serena Williams may have hung up her racket, but her competitive spirit and drive continue to blaze trails in business and beyond. How will her ventures reshape the landscape for women in business and sports? Her journey is a powerful testament to the impact of determination and vision.