Serena Ventures

Serena Ventures Is Playing to Win, Making Profound Social Impact Through Venture Capital

As impressive as tennis great Serena Williams’ entrepreneurship has been in the worlds of fashion and jewelry, the company she founded — the purpose-driven venture capital firm Serena Ventures — stands to make an even greater impact. Established in 2014 with a mission to support diverse, creative founders with the kinds of ideas, energy, and commitment that can change the world, Serena Ventures has done much more than a decades’ worth of good. The firm’s portfolio of over 50 companies — such as Esusu, a rent reporting firm with a goal to boost renter’s credit scores; Wile Women, a women-focused wellness and supplement brand; health care startup HUED; and social learning platform Fiveable — are mostly led by female founders and founders of color. Beyond what Williams was able to do as an angel investor, her team at Serena Ventures is able to offer continued support for these early-stage founders, allowing them to grow their organizations and expand their horizons. This year, it was reported that 14 of the companies the firm has invested in have gone on to reach unicorn status with a valuation of $1 billion or more.

By Katy Brennan