Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. I felt that it was an opportunity to combine my skill set with a mission and make a difference. 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. 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. 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. Serena Ventures investments include MasterClass, Andela, Mayvenn, Tonal and Noom, to name a few. Anyone can read what you share. The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. Alison Rapaport The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. "It's a helpful tool for us. Goodwin Women Guide Serena Williams Venture Fund in $111 For aspiring founders, Williams' retirement opens a window of opportunity. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. Review address history and property records. 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. When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. 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 As she learned more about the world of funding, Williams was shocked by the inequities. Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. 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. Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. "It's hard. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. 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. Dana Iverson: What got you into venture, and what is keeping you here? Were working on a mission that is bigger than any one of us and that makes me feel excited to do my job. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. cnx.cmd.push(function() { Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. Alison Rapaport: I never thought Id pursue a career in venture. On that front, Alison advocates working with organizations like BLCK VC or All Raise. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/business/serena-williams-venture-fund.html. Onstage at an event, Ms. Seidman-Becker said less than 2 percent of venture money went to women. Serena Ventures - The Financial Pandora Stillman said long emails and 10-page business plans, on the other hand, were not welcome. Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ). Stillman They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. For fans of Williams, this year's US Open was likely a bittersweet moment. Among its portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of founders are people of color. 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.. Alison Rapaport Stillman page_type: 'article', baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Furthermore, he is also one of the founding members of a top soccer league in the US, Major League Soccer (MLS). She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. And that needs to happen across the board.. Serena Williamss early-stage venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, has raised an inaugural fund of $111 million that will invest in founders with diverse points of view, she told the DealBook newsletter. Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. pos: 'right_rail_2', Alisa Gumbs is the executive managing editor of BLACK ENTERPRISE, planning and creating content across the company's print, digital, events, and broadcast platforms. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. 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. Always ready for a new challenge, she started out by asking a lot of questions, then investing in a fund, and then becoming an angel investor. 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. Dan Rapaport father Marc Rapaport is a real estate agent from Los Angeles. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Serena Williams founded Serena Ventures in 2014. Sales Partnership Solutions The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. "I am one proud little brother!!" Serena believes in taking on and nurturing the firms early, which is reflected in the funds investments as three-fourths of the total investment belongs to the seed stage category. Last week, amid the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Serena Williams played what were likely the final matches of her tennis career. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. NFL insider Ian has a brother named Jake Rapaport. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Dana: Fill in the blank: I wouldnt get through quarantine without. The ability to write bigger checks and the ability to lead seed rounds really enables us to deliver on our mission and to unlock value for our investors and open doors for founders, Williams says. Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. About 10 to 20% of pitches receive a follow-up from the firm. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. What motivates me is our mission to make lives better and ensure that others in the venture industry and ecosystem see the value in innovation for all by all. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS } Review address history and property records. Thats a great way to get people to pitch to you who otherwise might not try, said Alison. 500 Startups makes no representations as to or guarantees of specific outcomes from relying on the contents of this post. So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. As a world-class athlete, businesswoman, philanthropist and mother, Serena Williams knows what it takes to win. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Alison Stillman She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. 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. Im the most non-taking-a-chance kind of a person, but I felt like a seed was where we wanted to be.. Thanks for being part of ours! 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. 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 eventually widened the criteria and today Serena Ventures will fund anyone with a good idea. 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. Marc works as a credit approval principal at Thorofare Capital. Management The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. Have a great Thursday. About } We had the pleasure of hearing from Alison on advice she would give to her younger self, her path to VC, and how she has stayed motivated during this time. 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. 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. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. She makes you feel comfortable, as if youre not talking to the greatest athlete of all time. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments.