Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. 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 funds limited partners include Norwest Venture Partners, Capital G (Alphabets growth fund) and LionTree. The company is their baby! Veronica has dedicated her career to supporting founders who work to democratize access to a better life, and her unique perspective is informed by 10 years of experience as a strategy consultant, founder, and investor. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. 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. They may not be networked to them, and thats something that you can fix. An obvious solution is building a diverse team and creating internal opportunities for people with non-traditional VC backgrounds, which creates access to those wider networks. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Alison: Dont get bangs it is not worth it! All views and opinions presented herein by such third party participants do not represent those of 500 Startups or any of its affiliates or representatives. She is also disarmingly authentic. There is no surprise element that the primary reason why women and entrepreneurs of color struggle to access venture funding is the ignorant nature of VCs. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. Dog mom . Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. Stillman said it scored companies in due diligence across a number of metrics. She has been actively investing in a portfolio worth at least $10 million in more than 50 startups through Serena Ventures over the past 6 years. Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. Thanks for being part of ours! She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. We had great chemistry on that call. Serena Ventures invests in founders who solve everyday problems through unconventional thinking and diverse points of view. For the past nine years, it has managed a portfolio of more than 60 angel investments, using Williams own money. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Still, one key factor the firm looks for in an investment opportunity is whether the company is tapping into a sizable market that it's excited about. Nacho lover When she is not working on the Business Development team at Ada Support, she is avidly baking and elevating Black culinary creatives on Instagram , listening to a podcast, or digging into a good book. Inclusivity is a key factor for us, we analyze all aspects of a business with that lens, including who is on the team, who the target customers are, and what the price points look like. 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. As a result, they were able to provide for their children. Owners & Partners are responsible for the overall success of the business. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. My fianc and I have had her for about two months. B.E. A week later, she asked me to come to her house and present some ideas to her. 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. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. This post includes the views and opinions of independent third parties that are not related to or controlled by 500 Startups. He has been in the industry for four decades. But it is important to have a founder who can be self-aware, handle feedback, and build a team to help them be successful. Dan posted a congratulations tweet in August 2022 as she represented the company in the New York Stock Exchange. 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. Right now, the firm is excited about companies that address aging. } Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Ashel spent time on the programming team at Kauffman Fellows and was a startup founder. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', I spent my teenage and college years trying to be liked and now I talk to three people from my high school. Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, finding companies that solve bigger consumer problems. he wrote. 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. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. }); EVENTS WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. Marc inspired him to pursue a career in golf at the age of 4 as Dan grew up with a sister. For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. 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. At the end of the day, Alison says VCs have a responsibility to change the way they do things and see new ideas and perspectives on markets. Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Sign up for notifications from Insider! targeting: { She can get an amazing read on a person and see the big picture really quickly, whereas it takes me longer. There has been a lot of innovation outside of the home, but now with consumers spending most of their days at home we have the opportunity to think through how to make home life better. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. While writing for her CNN Business Perspective column, she mentions the challenges black women entrepreneurs face while raising funds for their startups in the white and male predominant venture capital industry. We are in a moment when people have finally realized that inequity exists in all aspects of life what many of us have known for a long time. Ive been on a bit of a skincare kick so I have been trying a lot of Kate Somervilles products. All third party links in this post have not been independently verified by 500 Startups and the inclusion of such links should not be interpreted as an endorsement or confirmation of the content within. Ive always been fascinated with technology, and Ive always loved how it really shapes our lives, said Ms. Williams, who has been investing for nine years. Not surprisingly, thats a big reason why women and entrepreneurs of color struggle to access venture funding. To take a closer look at how Serena Ventures developed its diverse portfolio and pipeline, Alison recently joined 500 Startups CEO Christine Tsai for a fireside chat at the 2021 Unity and Inclusion Summit. Thats just the way of the land. 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 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. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. env: 'prod', Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of 500 Startups Management Company, L.L.C. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. subcat: '', Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. 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. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. }).render('5eec50a0f683429ca3814da74bd486aa'); Abena: What advice would you give your younger self? aid: '782078', and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. cat: 'entrepreneurship', It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. When Serena Williams first launched the firm, she explicitly wanted to provide funding for more women. tude.cmd.push(function() { "It's hard. To raise a child it takes a village. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. Her Instagram feed is overflowing with many images capturing the cherished moments of their romantic love life. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. We really believe that we can make the most by finding companies that solve bigger consumer problems, especially for people who have been ignored by the traditional players in the game.. Dog mom . WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. Onstage at an event, Ms. Seidman-Becker said less than 2 percent of venture money went to women. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. From an early age, Rapaport began swinging his golf club, and because of this, he has an in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of the sport. Management Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. In her next chapter, Williams said she planned to focus on her venture-capital firm, Serena Ventures. Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ). Review address history and property records. This mindset allows us to have a broad and holistic approach to invest in FinTech, Wellness, and everything in between. Serena Ventures also works with accelerators (including 500 Startups) and diversity-focused funds to source leads and looks at opportunities that originate outside significant startup hubs. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. Looking at the VC industry more broadly, Alison doesnt see a diverse pipeline problem, but a networking issue. Subscribe to Newsletter 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. Moreover, in May 2021, the two soulmates looked chic as they attended their friend's wedding in Wailea-Makena. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. That makes pitching less intimidating, because it can be difficult to find an introduction on Sand Hill Road, especially if youre not in Silicon Valley. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. They make strategic decisions, manage finances and develop business plans. Thats how we met. This makes a lot of sense invest in what you know! and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. The champions for Black female founders are here to stay. ', Just like on the court, Williams is all about performance: I really wanted to spend time in creating something for that very reason, so when questions are asked its like, not only do we have answers, but we have exits and we have unicorns. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania.