Management After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. 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. Dan Rapaport father Marc Rapaport is a real estate agent from Los Angeles. 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. Not surprisingly, thats a big reason why women and entrepreneurs of color struggle to access venture funding. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. That includes companies that focus on issues from mobility to menopause to deathtech, Stillman said. I recently had to question a founder at a company because they were building a product for women and did not have any female or non-white representation at the executive level. My fianc and I have had her for about two months. cnx.cmd.push(function() { tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { With a presence in the USA, India and the MENA region, they ensure that all of your financial decisions are made carefully and with your best interests in mind. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. This is something Ive been doing for a really, really, really long time and its something that I absolutely love and Im super passionate about., Despite her busy schedule, Williams spends six or seven hours a day on her investing work: I love looking at new companies, I love talking to founders, I absolutely love passing on the knowledge that Ive been able to get and being able to impact other people.. Venture capitalists tend to believe in founders who feel familiar and thereby move forward to fund them. 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 baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. To conclude, Serena Ventures will continue to invest in companies that embrace diverse leadership, individual empowerment, creativity, and opportunity and achieve its goal of making a difference. tude.cmd.push(function() { Stay up to date with what you want to know. Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. 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. 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. } B.E. Thats just the way of the land. When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. Sign up to stay up to date on global innovation. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. 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. The same goes for actor Michael Rapaport. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Moreover, Dan has a younger sister Robyn Rapaport, founder of Shop Robynro. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. 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. Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. 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. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', We invest in diverse teams because we stand by the belief that diverse leadership and diverse thoughts have the best returns, both financially and socially. But she still finds that VCs ignore products and services made for audiences theyre not familiar with, even those representing massive markets with loyal customers. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. 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. I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Among its portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of founders are people of color. 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. } You can also reach out to them oninfo@aysasia.com, Your email address will not be published. Just to be clear, you dont have to be a person of color or a woman to be in our fund, Williams says. 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. Partner @Serenaventures. Thats how we met. "I am one proud little brother!!" They have scheduled their marriage on June 10, 2023. Their most recent acquisition was on May 27, 2021, when Infinite Objects raised $6M.Serena Ventures has made 21 diversity investments. Try not to control everything. 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. 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. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. Stillman told Insider a core part of the mission of Serena Ventures was to back founders with "incredible potential" who might have been overlooked by other investors. Partner @Serenaventures. 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. Under no circumstances should any content in this post be construed as investment, legal, tax or accounting advice by 500 Startups, or an offer to sell or solicitation of interest to purchase any securities advised by 500 Startups. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. Dog mom . Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. 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. Review address history and property records. 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. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. We think its important to look beyond where traditional venture is focusing because there are a ton of opportunities that theyre not funding products and services for, said Alison. It also helps that a byproduct of working with diverse entrepreneurs is that it leads to a more diverse deal flow. It's your child. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Weve made some investments in the food and beverage space but are interested in the holistic wellness space as well. This mindset allows us to have a broad and holistic approach to invest in FinTech, Wellness, and everything in between. She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist. 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. They make strategic decisions, manage finances and develop business plans. We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Abena Anim-Somuah: Tell us how you met Serena and what drew you to work with her? However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. Business partners. She is so much more than just the worlds best tennis player. 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. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. } Im more on the analytical side, the portfolio-construction side. Veronica is a proud Alumna of Howard University and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. It has been fun to watch creative people in that setting because Im not a creative person. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Ms. Williams, who holds 23 Grand Slam tennis titles, was inspired by a talk between Caryn Seidman-Becker, the chief executive of the security company Clear, and Jamie Dimon, the head of JPMorgan Chase. And the only way to change those numbers was to be the person writing the big checks.. WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. My friends were asking questions that I didnt have the answers to, but I got better with time and more practice. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. subcat: '', 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. Every quarter, the team brainstorms sectors it wants to dive deeper into. Alison: Im excited about the refocus on the home. We cant resort to a theater allyship, you have to do the work write the checks and make the hires. INFORMATION In early August, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote in an essay for Vogue that she would be retiring from tennis. The entire process from pitch to investment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, Stillman said. 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 BE 100s 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." She is also disarmingly authentic. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. It receives about 200 pitches there a week, and Stillman said they read each one. he wrote. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Dan and Emma enjoying photogenic landscape in Snowmass Village, Colorado, July 2021 ( Source : instagram ). Dana Iverson: What got you into venture, and what is keeping you here? Thus, Marc bought Dan a golf set on his fourth birthday. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. Serena Ventures most notable exits include The Wing and OLLY. aid: '782078', Besides, they have a pet dog named Bud, who has also been featured in most of her uploads. Founders should send a deck with their pitch even if it's just a "teaser deck." Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. My puppy Zoe. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. One of my favorite parts about my job is the people I get to work with every day and how much I get to learn from Serena and from the team around us, Rapaport Stillman says. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. page_type: 'article', Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. } They want to work with us because they know that we will come to them from a place of empathy, said Alison. 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. Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014. ]); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; In March, Serena Ventures announced it had raised an inaugural fund of $111 million from outside investors including Alphabet, Norwest, LionTree, and Kapor Center. tude.cmd.push(function() { Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. 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. 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. 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. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Serena agrees that there is a social purpose to that decision. env: 'prod', The natural beauty of the world around the island struck them. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. 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 By highlighting this behaviour and offering support, we are drawing awareness to the systemic issues at hand and showing people in the industry how it can be done. 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. and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. } She earned Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Operations from the campus. San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), This describes the type of investor the person is (e.g. The team also scores each prospective investment that makes it past the introductory rounds. Even with her success and her privilege, she knows shes held to a different standard as a Black woman. Alison: 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. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', aid: '782078', Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. 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. Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? I go up to her afterward and asked, Tell me about this 2 percent I know maybe you misspoke, Ms. Williams recounted. Quoting its founder, Serena, I am by no means alone in my mission to build an inclusive venture capital landscape. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. We want to make sure that we dont necessarily neatly check a box. Upon learning that just two percent of funding goes to female founders, Williams made a strategic commitment to diversity and inclusion; today, 78 percent of founders backed by Serena Ventures are women or people of color. The champions for Black female founders are here to stay. Early Stage Venture Investors Female Founded Venture Capital Investors, Western US Venture Capital Female Founded Companies, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Companies, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Micro VCs, Female Founded Early Stage Venture Investors with Investments in San Francisco, California, Finance Companies With Fewer Than 10 Employees (Top 10K), United States Investors with Funds Raised in 2022, San Francisco Bay Area Female Founded Investors. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. Ms. Rapaport Stillman previously worked at JPMorgan, Wasserman and Melo7 Tech. Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. 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: I took my first call with Serena from a bridal store while trying on bridesmaid dresses for a friends wedding. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { For aspiring founders, Williams' retirement opens a window of opportunity. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. Dan took to Instagram to post a picture of the two as they flaunt the ring from a resort rooftop in Friday Harbor, Washington. The podcaster at Barstool Sports dedicated a tweet in April 2020 to appreciate Marc for everything he had done for Dan and a special gratification for introducing him to this beautiful game. cat: 'entrepreneurship', ]); 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. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of They just share a same surname but have no family ties. Insider chatted with Stillman about how to land a spot in the Serena Ventures portfolio. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. It is not us versus them. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. Alison Stillman's peers at other companies are Ariane Rocha, Margaret Ursua, Marine Casiez, Joseph Eazyway, Janice Patriarca, David Guthery, Karen Chapman, John Stafford. env: 'prod', With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. cnx({ Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. When Serena Williams first launched the firm, she explicitly wanted to provide funding for more women. Abena Anim-Somuah is a contributing writer at All Raise. 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. 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 url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. Delivers pre-prepped, frozen, healthy cuisine to your door. As an angel investor, you can only do so much, the world-class athlete, businesswoman, and philanthropist told BLACK ENTERPRISE exclusively. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. Were working on a mission that is bigger than any one of us and that makes me feel excited to do my job. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Registry of Corporate Directors. In hindsight, I did not need to worry about the other people who barely thought of me. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Financial services for what Stillman called the "unbanked and underbanked" and women's health companies have always ranked high on its list. Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. 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. Serena is such a smart and driven person. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. Thats my job, to make the unfamiliar familiar she said. Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. 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. 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. Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). Contact 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. For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. tude.cmd.push(function() { While both individuals may have similar last names, they are not bonded. Her Instagram feed is overflowing with many images capturing the cherished moments of their romantic love life. And that needs to happen across the board.. 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. 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. Im still able to see the opportunity and help the company grow. Have a great Thursday. The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. 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? Business partners. "You want to do something that's going to make it easy for us to understand your business," Stillman said. 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. Stillman said long emails and 10-page business plans, on the other hand, were not welcome. SERENA VENTURES. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. It's your baby. 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. Black Men XCEL If you have a cold inbound, you can find great opportunities, she says. Behavioral Aspects in Decision Making (Part 2), Emerging trends in Life Insurance and how to choose the right plan. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. 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. }).render('5eec50a0f683429ca3814da74bd486aa'); 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