page_type: 'article', If you have a cold inbound, you can find great opportunities, she says. She eventually widened the criteria and today Serena Ventures will fund anyone with a good idea. You just naturally wake up and you say, like, wow, 70% of my founders are women.. Europe, Menlo Park, China), Where the person is located (e.g. "I am one proud little brother!!" Thanks for being part of ours! Its time we all play on the same court. Have a great Thursday. }); EVENTS }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Serena Ventures - The Serena Williams-backed VC Fund This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. pos: 'right_rail_2', Review address history and property records. Doubles Partner - Alumni - Harvard Business School Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. Serena is such a smart and driven person. Alison: Dont get bangs it is not worth it! Stillman "It's hard. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. 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. } BE 100s According to the National Venture Capital Association data, only 4% of the people who work in venture capital are Black. Like thats not even possible, thats near perfect., I couldnt wrap my mind around basically almost 100% of money is going to the men., And thats when Williams investing mission was formed: I wanted to really bring diversity to VC in the way that I could. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. Work | OWG I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. Insider chatted with Stillman about how to land a spot in the Serena Ventures portfolio. Serena agrees that there is a social purpose to that decision. 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. Thats how we met. he wrote. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. Dog mom . 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. Amongst the portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of the founders are women or people of color. 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. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. We want to make sure that we dont necessarily neatly check a box. More generally, Serena Ventures also works with accelerators (including 500 Startups) and diversity-focused funds to source leads, and looks at opportunities that originate outside major startup hubs. One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. Alison Rapaport Stillman Alison Stillman Besides, Marc stars in the new Netflix docu-series about the PGA golf tour, "Full Swing," which premiered on February 15, 2023. 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 dont gamble. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. In hindsight, I did not need to worry about the other people who barely thought of me. Allows traders to buy and sell bitcoin in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. "We know that what you're selling us at the pre-seed or seed probably isn't going to look like what the Series B investor sees at some level," she said. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. Dan often goes golfing with Marc where as Sheri stays as home waiting for them ( Source : instagram ). The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. 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. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. 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. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. Thanks for being part of ours! Dan posted a congratulations tweet in August 2022 as she represented the company in the New York Stock Exchange. Alison Stillman SV Team | Serena Ventures Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014. 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. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', 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. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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's role is Manager: Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. The team also scores each prospective investment that makes it past the introductory rounds. 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. I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Alison's role is Manager: We understand that what we see in the pitch deck is not what the product will look like later, and the product will go through a hundred iterations before it is out in the wild. Impact can take many forms, she continues. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. 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. Right now, the firm is excited about companies that address aging. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Moreover, Rapaport is also a former golf writer at Sports Illustrated and a staff writer for Golf Digest. One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie ed-tech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. To raise a child it takes a village. With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. Goodwin Women Guide Serena Williams Venture Fund in $111 The two cherished couple, beaming happy in the early morning, enjoyed an excellent breakfast as she held a Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. You can also reach out to them oninfo@aysasia.com, Your email address will not be published. The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. Rapaport Stillman Onstage at an event, Ms. Seidman-Becker said less than 2 percent of venture money went to women. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. I hurriedly picked a dress, which luckily fit, and jumped on the call. She can get an amazing read on a person and see the big picture really quickly, whereas it takes me longer. They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. The entire process from pitch to investment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, Stillman said. Alison: Im excited about the refocus on the home. Register for your account and get started with our industry leading people contacts search engine. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. Ive watched all of Face Off, a show where people go head-to-head with special effects and makeup. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. 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. Founders should send a deck with their pitch even if it's just a "teaser deck." baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Sales Partnership Solutions To raise a child it takes a village. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. page_type: 'article', Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. Owners & Partners are responsible for the overall success of the business. Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. Serena Ventures Built a Portfolio With Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. 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. Alison Rapaport Kyra is the Operations Manager for Serena Ventures where she oversees the day-to-day operations for the team and helps manage LPs, Portfolio Founders, and prospective investment companies. About Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. They have scheduled their marriage on June 10, 2023. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. cat: 'entrepreneurship', We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. He then introduced me to Chris Lyons at Andreessen Horowitzs Cultural Leadership Fund, who encouraged me to lean into my skill set to support world-class athletes who would like to get into venture but dont have the investment background. We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. Business partners. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', How to Land an Investment From Serena Williams' VC Firm Alison Stillman It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. } 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. Stillman said it's especially important for founders to be self-aware enough to know when they need to hire employees. In early August, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote in an essay for Vogue that she would be retiring from tennis. He worked for numerous organisations in various positions, including manager, director, and executive. Among its portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of founders are people of color. Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ). When Serena Williams first launched the firm, she explicitly wanted to provide funding for more women. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. In October 2020, the duo enjoyed a family lunch with their parents at a cosy restaurant in LA, California. tude.cmd.push(function() { We made our founders feel like we are partners who can help them grow, she said. And the only way to change those numbers was to be the person writing the big checks.. The investment firm led by the tennis star is already an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies that includes SendWave, MasterClass and Daily Harvest. Rapaport Stillman To raise a child it takes a village. 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. It's your child. She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Abena: What advice would you give your younger self? Quoting its founder, Serena, I am by no means alone in my mission to build an inclusive venture capital landscape. Marc and Sheri Huttner Rapaport are the proud parents of Dan Rapaport who raised him in the serene setting of Los Angeles. Were working on a mission that is bigger than any one of us and that makes me feel excited to do my job. Alison J Rapaport Stillman WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. Abena Anim-Somuah: Tell us how you met Serena and what drew you to work with her? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. 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 I was someone who lived my life to be on a conveyor belt. 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 View select TechCrunch Disrupt content online today Thats a great way to get people to pitch to you who otherwise might not try, said Alison. That is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article. Thats just the way of the land. I go up to her afterward and asked, Tell me about this 2 percent I know maybe you misspoke, Ms. Williams recounted. Nacho lover 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. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Dan with Alison, Robyn, Marc and Sheri celebrates Marc's birthday in Hawaii, February 2022 ( Source : instagram ). The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. My first time pitching was terrible. Doubles Partner - Alumni - Harvard Business School Women of Power Summit Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. Dog mom . Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Dan popped the question to Emma in Friday Harbor, Washington in October 2021 ( Source : instagram ). Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. 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.. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist. On our Rise of the Next podcast, Honghao Deng and Jiani Zeng tell us how Butlr, which provides insights into commercial space usage, pivoted during the pandemic. At the start of February 2022, Emma and Dan travelled to Hualalai, Kona, in Hawaii. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. In her next chapter, Williams said she planned to focus on her venture-capital firm, Serena Ventures. 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