Entrepreneurs Summit Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. This post includes the views and opinions of independent third parties that are not related to or controlled by 500 Startups. Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. Moreover, in May 2021, the two soulmates looked chic as they attended their friend's wedding in Wailea-Makena. Thats my job, to make the unfamiliar familiar she said. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Serena Ventures - The Financial Pandora 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 Noom and Impossible Foods, among others. Owners & Partners are responsible for the overall success of the business. 500 Startups makes no representations as to or guarantees of specific outcomes from relying on the contents of this post. Furthermore, he is also one of the founding members of a top soccer league in the US, Major League Soccer (MLS). After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. There is no recent news or activity for this profile. Now, with funding from limited partners including Norwest, CapitalG, Kapor Foundation, and LionTree, among others, Serena Ventures will be able to take its investments to the next level. They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. When it comes to our team, thats what everyone is on board for and theyre really excited to help founders have an opportunity that they probably wouldnt have had before., The firms approach is to build a more inclusive future by investing in overlooked, underestimated, and fledgling markets.. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. I dont gamble. That is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', She is the first athlete ever to hit Forbes list of the Worlds Richest Self-Made Women. 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. 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. We have been trying to do this for a long time and Im excited to see the current momentum. The natural beauty of the world around the island struck them. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman finds that VCs still ignore products and services made for audiences theyre not familiar with, even those representing massive markets. At the start of February 2022, Emma and Dan travelled to Hualalai, Kona, in Hawaii. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. However, 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. Masthead. Alison Stillman More than half of the firm's portfolio companies were founded by women, and more than three-fourths were founded by people from historically underrepresented backgrounds, according to the firm's website. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). The company is their baby! This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. SERENA VENTURES. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. She has brought so much joy to our family and is a living reminder that there is a world beyond my screen. Alison J Rapaport Stillman The same was kept secret until April 17, 2019, when the tennis star took to Instagram to post about it. subcat: '', She is so much more than just the worlds best tennis player. Work | OWG Ultimately, any founder who wins an investment from Serena Ventures will also have gone through a couple of rounds of interviews with Williams and Stillman. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. Venture Capital Investing: What It Is and Where Its Headed For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. Doubles Partner - Alumni - Harvard Business School Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune I am excited about companies that are focused on natural ways to get healthier, supporting the postpartum journey, and mental health services for younger women. 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. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. Alison Stillman 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. Like, look at what we have done.. 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. I was someone who lived my life to be on a conveyor belt. It's your child. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. Under no circumstances should any content in this post be construed as investment, legal, tax or accounting advice by 500 Startups, or an offer to sell or solicitation of interest to purchase any securities advised by 500 Startups. Im the most non-taking-a-chance kind of a person, but I felt like a seed was where we wanted to be.. Sales Partnership Solutions My puppy Zoe. Looking at the VC industry more broadly, Alison doesnt see a diverse pipeline problem, but a networking issue. They are innovators who understand what goes into building companies. During my time at Harvard Business School, I had the opportunity to work with Melo7 Tech Partners, where I was exposed to the world of VC. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. Alison's role is Manager: Venture capitalists tend to believe in founders who feel familiar and thereby move forward to fund them. aid: '782078', Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. Venture Capital Investing: What It Is and Where Its Headed She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Rapaport The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. 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. Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. Alison Rapaport Stillman Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Still, 76% of Serena Ventures portfolio founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Abena: What advice would you give your younger self? How to Land an Investment From Serena Williams' VC Firm Serena Williams founded Serena Ventures in 2014. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. To raise a child it takes a village. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. "I am one proud little brother!!" Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Dana: What trends are you excited to see in the world of consumer? and its affiliates (collectively 500 Startups) makes no representation as to the accuracy or information in this post and while reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information herein is accurate and up-to-date, no liability can be accepted for any error or omissions. The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. Thats just the way of the land. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', It is not us versus them. Alison Rapaport Investing in people who look like you eventually leads to systemic exclusion. 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. 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. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Stillman said long emails and 10-page business plans, on the other hand, were not welcome. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. Black Men XCEL We cant resort to a theater allyship, you have to do the work write the checks and make the hires. Serena Ventures - The Financial Pandora Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. We made our founders feel like we are partners who can help them grow, she said. So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. 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 Dan took to Instagram to post a picture of the two as they flaunt the ring from a resort rooftop in Friday Harbor, Washington. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 In hindsight, I did not need to worry about the other people who barely thought of me. subcat: '', Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. That was about four years ago, when Williams hired Alison Rapaport Stillman as general partner and they began building a teamwhich just happens to be all women. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. I thought Id work in banking, then work as an associate and go to business school, but my best work has happened when I have hopped off the conveyor belt and took a risk. pos: 'right_rail_1', I think celebrities dont always experience pushback, but I give that, which she respects, and she does it with me., Two years later, that hasnt changed. Alison Rapaport Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Register for your account and get started with our industry leading people contacts search engine. SistersInc. Alison's role is Manager: The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. She makes you feel comfortable, as if youre not talking to the greatest athlete of all time. "It's a helpful tool for us. Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. Contact It's your baby. Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune page_type: 'article', Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. Nothings going to replace what tennis was for her, but as shes thinking about whats nextits exciting to see her as passionate about this as you see her on the court., Matching investment wits with a tennis great, Re: Amal Enan (MBA2014); By: Julia Hanna; photographed by Abdelrahman Gabr Koree, Re: David Motley (MBA1988); Rosabeth M. Kanter (Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business You can also reach out to them oninfo@aysasia.com, Your email address will not be published. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. 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. and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Serena Ventures invests in early-stage companies, but Stillman said the firm understood that companies wouldn't always adhere to their original pitches as they grew. This post is intended solely for general informational or educational purposes only. The entire process from pitch to investment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, Stillman said. Work | OWG WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. cnx.cmd.push(function() { The information is out there.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. pos: 'right_rail_2', I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Alison Rapaport Stillman For me success is when you dont have to have the quota, said Alison. subcat: '', In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. In early August, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote in an essay for Vogue that she would be retiring from tennis. Serena Williams co-investor shares what comes next for the tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. Doubles Partner - Alumni - Harvard Business School Dog mom . Dana: The goal of Serena Ventures is to make everyday lives better. How does this manifest in the companies that you choose to invest in? Dan Rapaport girlfriend Emma Light is engaged in October 2021. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) That fact naturally attracts diverse deal flow, because founders identify with the investment team and see Serena Ventures as a safe place to share their vision. Serena Ventures Built a Portfolio With One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. Business partners. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. I recently had to question a founder at a company because they were building a product for women and did not have any female or non-white representation at the executive level. Im still able to see the opportunity and help the company grow. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. My first time pitching was terrible. Goodwin Women Guide Serena Williams Venture Fund in $111 ]); The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Serena agrees that there is a social purpose to that decision. When Serena Williams announced her retirement earlier this month, there was plenty of talk of the tennis superstars 23 Grand Slam titles. WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Have a great Thursday. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune As a Senior Associate, Veronica sources, conducts diligence, and provides portfolio support at Serena Ventures. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. There are so many things that keep me in venture. Serena Williams' Venture Capital Firm Raises $111 Million The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. By: Julia Hanna, Demographics-Race-African American, Black, Alumna-Led Reproductive Health Startup Raises $4.7 Million. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. A sample of the funds investments includes the following: Offers body products and shaving supplies at a fair price, without the pink tax. This post was written in collaboration withAsif Yahiya Sukri LLP. Before starting her stint at Serena Ventures, Stillman worked as a board member at Wasserman for three months and The SpringHill Company for almost three years. Ive watched all of Face Off, a show where people go head-to-head with special effects and makeup. 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. pos: 'right_rail_3', Many recommendations they now get come from current portfolio companies. Marc inspired him to pursue a career in golf at the age of 4 as Dan grew up with a sister. Most notably, she helped launch the African Leadership University, named one of Africas most innovative companies in 2016 by Fast Company, and founded Black Women in Venture Capital, a community of over 200 Black women in venture capital who envision an equitable VC system. View select TechCrunch Disrupt content online today Have a great Thursday. We had great chemistry on that call. Sadly this is why I wanted to build a track record, because, quite frankly I knew that above other people I needed to have something that could speak for itself, she says. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. But a number of news outlets also noted her involvement in early-stage investing and the key role played by Serena Ventures General Partner Alison Rapaport Stillman (MBA 2018), who joined forces with Williams in 2018. Weve made some investments in the food and beverage space but are interested in the holistic wellness space as well. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. 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. Alison Rapaport Stillman "The founder can't be doing everything," Stillman said. Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. SERENA VENTURES. Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. They want to work with us because they know that we will come to them from a place of empathy, said Alison. During this time, I got along really well with Carmelos business manager, Stuart Goldfarb, who saw that I understood how to work with sports talent and also had a deep understanding of the investment world, a rare combination of two very different skills sets. According to her Linkedin profile, Alison is a financial expert and analyst whose job is to provide vast arrays of specualtions and predictions of the money market and help the company accordingly. Alison Stillman's job functions are Entrepreneurship, Operations, Alison Stillman's LinkedIn profile can be found at, https://linkedin.com/in/aliso***illman-cfa***. Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts.