Serena Williams has always been a powerhouse — but her latest moves prove her influence reaches far beyond the tennis court.
After officially retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Williams wasted no time pivoting into the world of business. Through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, she’s quietly become one of the most impactful investors in Silicon Valley. With over $100 million invested in more than 30 companies, her mission is crystal clear: close the funding gap for women and minority entrepreneurs.
“I learned so much on the court, but what drives me now is creating opportunities where none existed before,” Williams said in a recent TIME100 interview.
Her portfolio includes buzzy, culture-shifting startups like MasterClass, Noom, Daily Harvest, and Impossible Foods. What sets Serena Ventures apart is its purpose-driven lens: 78% of its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Why Women in Business Should Take Notes
Williams isn’t just investing in companies — she’s investing in the future of inclusive leadership. In a space where less than 2% of venture capital goes to women founders — and even less to Black women — her influence is both symbolic and strategic.
Her business philosophy also serves as an inspiration for professional women across industries: build your wealth, use your platform for good, and never be afraid to enter rooms where you’re the first — or the only.
As Williams continues to grow her empire, she sets a powerful precedent: you don’t need to limit yourself to one chapter. Reinvention is not only possible — it’s a strategic career move.
