Serena Williams, the name synonymous with greatness on the tennis court, has officially entered a new phase of her life. While fans worldwide may still miss her powerful serves and fierce determination on the court, Williams is proving that her talents and ambitions extend far beyond the world of professional sports. Since stepping away from tennis, she has been busy building an impressive portfolio as a businesswoman, investor, and multimedia producer. Let’s delve into what Serena Williams has been up to and what her next “mic drop moment” might be.
From the Court to the Boardroom: Serena Ventures
In 2017, Serena Williams officially launched Serena Ventures, although her journey into investing began about 15 years earlier. This venture capital firm reflects Williams’ commitment to supporting women, people of color, and underrepresented groups in the startup world. Recognizing that less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women, Williams set out to change that narrative. Serena Ventures aims to invest in opportunities that improve everyday life, focusing on companies that level the playing field for women and people of color.
Investing in Unicorns
Serena’s investment strategy has proven to be remarkably successful. As of April 2024, Serena Ventures has invested in over 85 companies, with an impressive 14 of them achieving unicorn status, meaning they are valued at over $1 billion. Some notable companies in her portfolio include:
- MasterClass: An online learning platform.
- Impossible Foods: Known for its plant-based meat alternatives.
- Noom: A subscription-based weight loss app.
- Tonal: A smart home gym system.
- Lolli, Inc.: A web browser extension and app that offers rewards in cash or Bitcoin for shopping at select websites.
Serena Ventures’ portfolio boasts impressive diversity: 79% of the founders are from underrepresented groups, 54% are women, 47% are Black, and 11% are Latinx. This commitment to inclusivity sets Serena Ventures apart and highlights her dedication to creating a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
The Strategy Behind the Investments
Serena Williams has emphasized the importance of due diligence and not relying solely on others’ opinions when making investment decisions. She actively engages with companies, visiting offices, and asking questions to understand their vision and operations. She also sat on boards like Survey Monkey and Poshmark, which gave her insight into taking a company public. Her hands-on approach and genuine interest in shaping the future through technology, transportation, and consumer goods drive her investment choices.
Amplifying Voices Through 926 Productions
Expanding her influence beyond venture capital, Serena Williams launched 926 Productions in April 2023, a multimedia production company that aims to elevate female and diverse voices through impactful storytelling. Named after her birthday, September 26, the company reflects Williams’ desire to champion inclusive narratives across various platforms.
A First-Look Deal with Amazon Studios
926 Productions has already secured a first-look TV deal with Amazon Studios, signaling its commitment to creating high-quality content with broad appeal. The company intends to bolster women and diverse individuals through four-quadrant storytelling that appeals to a broad range of age groups and genders.
Copa 71: A Story of Women’s Soccer History
One of the initial projects for 926 Productions is “Copa 71,” a documentary that recounts the 1971 Women’s World Cup. Serena and her sister Venus Williams joined the project as executive producers, alongside Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios. This documentary aligns with Serena’s mission to highlight women’s achievements and stories that have been historically overlooked.
Elevating Female and Diverse Voices
Serena has stated that her goal with 926 Productions is to elevate female and diverse voices through content that speaks to everyone. By partnering with experienced professionals like Caroline Currier, the president of 926 Productions, Williams aims to evolve the entertainment industry in new directions, developing unique projects that inspire audiences across all platforms.
Expanding the Empire: Other Business Ventures
Serena’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond venture capital and production. She has also ventured into fashion and beauty, creating brands that reflect her personal style and values.
Wyn Beauty by Serena Williams
Just last week, Williams launched her beauty brand, Wyn Beauty by Serena Williams, with products available online and at Ulta. The brand emphasizes vegan ingredients and minimal chemicals.
S by Serena
S by Serena is a fashion line that promotes body positivity and female empowerment.
Will Perform
In December 2022, Serena launched Will Perform, a pain relief and performance care brand that aims to revolutionize post-workout recovery. The brand offers a range of products, including muscle recovery lotions, pain relief solutions, and bath soaks.
Serena as a Public Speaker
Serena Williams is also a sought-after public speaker, commanding fees typically ranging from $500,000 to $750,000. She inspires audiences with her stories of resilience, determination, and overcoming obstacles. Her motivational speeches often touch on themes of embracing one’s unique identity, pursuing dreams with confidence, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Keynote Themes
Some of the key themes Serena addresses in her speeches include:
- Resilience and Grit: Drawing from her experiences on and off the tennis court, Serena emphasizes the value of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming challenges.
- Embracing Individuality: Serena encourages audiences to embrace their unique selves and stay true to their nature, regardless of external opinions.
- Leadership and Empowerment: Serena shares insights on what it takes to reach the top and stay there, inspiring others to lead with confidence and empower those around them.
- Motivation and Inspiration: Her speeches are designed to motivate and inspire, encouraging audiences to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence.
More Than an Athlete: A Legacy of Impact
Serena Williams’ impact reaches far beyond her accomplishments in tennis. She has become a cultural icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world. Her journey from a young girl in Compton to a global superstar is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering spirit.
Breaking Barriers
Serena, along with her sister Venus, broke barriers in a sport that was previously dominated by white athletes. Her success on the court inspired countless individuals, particularly women and people of color, to pursue their dreams and challenge societal expectations.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Serena has been a vocal advocate for social justice, gender equity, and maternal health. She has championed equal pay in sports, supported maternal health initiatives, and invested in women-owned businesses. Her BirthFUND initiative highlights her commitment to addressing disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly for Black women, inspired by her own experiences.
A New Kind of Retirement
Serena Williams has made it clear that she is not retiring but “evolving” toward other things that are important to her. She is embracing her roles as a mother, businesswoman, and advocate, and she is determined to make a lasting impact on the world. Serena’s post-tennis life is a testament to her versatility, ambition, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether she’s investing in startups, producing inspiring content, or advocating for social change, Serena Williams continues to redefine what it means to be a modern icon. Her next “mic drop moment” is not just a possibility; it’s an inevitability.
