Angel, Fund of Funds, Venture Capital), Number of Investments the Individual has partnered in, Announced Date: Date when the Investment is announced, Organization Name: Name of the organization that received the investment, Investor Name: Name of the investor who participated in the Investment, Lead Investor: This field indicates whether an investor led/organized the investment, Funding Round: Name of the funding round where the Investment is made, Money Raised: Amount of money raised in Funding Round, Total number of current Jobs the person has, Organization Name: This is the name of the organization, Title At Company: Title of a Person's Job, Start Date: Start date of the Person's Job, CB Rank (Hub): Algorithmic rank assigned to the top 100,000 most active Hubs, Total number of events the individual appeared in, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Finance and Operations & Information Management. Dog mom . They have scheduled their marriage on June 10, 2023. Stillman Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. A founder should hire a team around themselves and hire for what they are not. 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. I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. 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 company is their baby! Every company that we invest in isnt meant for Alison Rapaport Stillman and I know that, she said. Rapaport Stillman Lets just be honest, you know I couldnt just say Oh Im going to do this and have fun with it. Onstage at an event, Ms. Seidman-Becker said less than 2 percent of venture money went to women. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; She earned Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Operations from the campus. Thats how we met. Thanks for being part of ours! Her Instagram feed is overflowing with many images capturing the cherished moments of their romantic love life. I feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. Emma posted their first picture online on Valentine's in 2020. Just to be clear, you dont have to be a person of color or a woman to be in our fund, Williams says. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Nacho lover For example, the general contact email on the Serena Ventures website gets between 10 to 40 emails a daymany of these are autograph requests, but they also include pitches from entrepreneurs, which their team does actually consider. About My puppy Zoe. 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. 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 Administration); By: April White, Re: Sherrese Clarke Soares (MBA2004); By: Jen McFarland Flint, Re: Ali Stillman (MBA2018); Anita Elberse (Lincoln Filene Professor of Business Administration); Among its portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of founders are people of color. Venture Capital Investing: What It Is and Where Its Headed env: 'prod', Alison Stillman's job functions are Entrepreneurship, Operations, Alison Stillman's LinkedIn profile can be found at, https://linkedin.com/in/aliso***illman-cfa***. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. We do VC differently through standout strategies, bold initiatives, and a global network of investors, business leaders, and influencers. When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. It's not the only thing." SERENA VENTURES. Thats just the way of the land. 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. B.E. Quoting its founder, Serena, I am by no means alone in my mission to build an inclusive venture capital landscape. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. Alison J Rapaport Stillman } As she learned more about the world of funding, Williams was shocked by the inequities. Dan and Michael are unrelated and has never even talked to each other. Try not to control everything. Business partners. Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. Allows traders to buy and sell bitcoin in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. 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. Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. Even with her success and her privilege, she knows shes held to a different standard as a Black woman. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Ultimately, Stillman believes that a Serena Ventures company is defined by three qualities. "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's role is Manager: 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. Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. I dont gamble. It has been fun to watch creative people in that setting because Im not a creative person. Television. 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. Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Thanks for being part of ours! Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. And that needs to happen across the board.. Serena Ventures most notable exits include The Wing and OLLY. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. Besides, the one thing the golf star has in common with his fiance is their hunger for adventure and travel. 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. Rapaport Stillman The team also scores each prospective investment that makes it past the introductory rounds. 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. Abena Anim-Somuah: Tell us how you met Serena and what drew you to work with her? Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Work | OWG The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. 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. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. Serena Ventures has a market cap of $14 billion and 29 active investments. Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. She has brought so much joy to our family and is a living reminder that there is a world beyond my screen. 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. Review address history and property records. 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. 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. We dont fit the mold of venture.. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. Stillman Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS Stillman cat: 'entrepreneurship', Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? } 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. Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. Their most recent acquisition was on May 27, 2021, when Infinite Objects raised $6M.Serena Ventures has made 21 diversity investments. 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. We made our founders feel like we are partners who can help them grow, she said. As Analyst, Ashel assists with sourcing, diligence, and portfolio support initiatives at Serena Ventures. Many recommendations they now get come from current portfolio companies. } 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. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. 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. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. 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. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. This post is intended solely for general informational or educational purposes only. If you have a cold inbound, you can find great opportunities, she says. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. Zola founder Shan-Lyn Ma adds co-CEO Rachel Jarrett | Fortune And she says, No, its true. And I literally couldnt wrap my mind around the fact that 98 percent of all of this money were talking about billions of dollars goes to one type of individual.. My fianc and I have had her for about two months. 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. 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. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Serena Ventures Built a Portfolio With She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. 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. Business partners. Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. }); !function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); Stillman said long emails and 10-page business plans, on the other hand, were not welcome. Rapaport The same goes for actor Michael Rapaport. For fans of Williams, this year's US Open was likely a bittersweet moment. Alison Rapaport Stillman This post was written in collaboration withAsif Yahiya Sukri LLP. For aspiring founders, Williams' retirement opens a window of opportunity. 500 Startups Management Company, L.L.C. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. Serena Williams' Venture Capital Firm Raises $111 Million When Serena Williams first launched the firm, she explicitly wanted to provide funding for more women. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. As a world-class athlete, businesswoman, philanthropist and mother, Serena Williams knows what it takes to win. Alison Stillman Dan and Emma strolled in the streets near Three Lakes, Wisconsin, in September 2020 with Bud. Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. Alison Stillman With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. Doubles Partner - Alumni - Harvard Business School WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. In October 2020, the duo enjoyed a family lunch with their parents at a cosy restaurant in LA, California. 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. On that front, Alison advocates working with organizations like BLCK VC or All Raise. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. Thats a great way to get people to pitch to you who otherwise might not try, said Alison. he wrote. NFL insider Ian has a brother named Jake Rapaport. The food we eat, the space we live in, and the tools we use at home are all getting a second look. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. Algorithmic rank assigned to the top 100,000 most active Investors, The organization associated to the person's primary job, Where the person is located (e.g. 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. To raise a child it takes a village. We want to make sure that we dont necessarily neatly check a box. When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). 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. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. Alison Rapaport Stillman targeting: { 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. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Work | OWG }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. Clayton, who landed on Venture Capital Journals 2023 list of Rising Stars, talks about his journey and shares some advice for founders. 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. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. Partner @Serenaventures. She is the first athlete ever to hit Forbes list of the Worlds Richest Self-Made Women. Alison Rapaport div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. subcat: '', And the only way to change those numbers was to be the person writing the big checks.. Ive been watching a lot of reruns of reality shows. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. She makes you feel comfortable, as if youre not talking to the greatest athlete of all time. Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. But it is important to have a founder who can be self-aware, handle feedback, and build a team to help them be successful. Williams understands firsthand the plight of founders of color. Dog mom . Entrepreneurs Summit I knew that I wanted to do a fund, but I worked backward, by using my own capital and then creating a track record and getting to know everyone.. "You want to do something that's going to make it easy for us to understand your business," Stillman said. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Delivers pre-prepped, frozen, healthy cuisine to your door. Yet, because of the areas they want to serve, Alison says they still naturally fund women, Black and Latinx founders. Alison Rapaport Stillman Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', ]); 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. Anyone can read what you share. 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? We had great chemistry on that call. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. SV Team | Serena Ventures Dan and Emma enjoying photogenic landscape in Snowmass Village, Colorado, July 2021 ( Source : instagram ). They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', Dana Iverson: What got you into venture, and what is keeping you here? This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. I want to highlight that we do not invest in women and people of color to simply check a box. aid: '782078', However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. He has been in the industry for four decades. Serena Ventures Built a Portfolio With 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. I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. tude.cmd.push(function() { pos: 'right_rail_3', 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. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. She first worked as an advisory and sales analyst before getting promoted to investment specialist for the company. Have a great Thursday. Last week, amid the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Serena Williams played what were likely the final matches of her tennis career. Marc and Sheri Huttner Rapaport are the proud parents of Dan Rapaport who raised him in the serene setting of Los Angeles. By: Julia Hanna, Demographics-Race-African American, Black, Alumna-Led Reproductive Health Startup Raises $4.7 Million. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. cat: 'entrepreneurship', 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. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. While both individuals may have similar last names, they are not bonded. ]); That constant sense of regret for not having taken up golf at a younger age compelled him not to let his kids have the same mistake. Veronica is a proud Alumna of Howard University and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. 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. 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. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Serena Ventures' portfolio companies span a variety of industries, but Stillman said there were a few areas it had always been interested in. pos: 'right_rail_2', Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. You can find her on Twitter. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Sign up to stay up to date on global innovation. Serena Williams co-investor shares what comes next for the Ian Rapaport a television analyst and pundit for National Football League (NFL) ( Source : instagram ). As a Senior Associate, Veronica sources, conducts diligence, and provides portfolio support at Serena Ventures. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. tude.cmd.push(function() { Alison Rapaport Stillman When he posted an Ask Me Anything during Q&A sessions, one user commented whether he is related to Ian or Michael, to which he replied, "Negative." Subscribe to Newsletter The information is out there.. Alison Rapaport Stillman She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), This describes the type of investor the person is (e.g. ', 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. 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.