Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. Sales Partnership Solutions Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? It also helps that a byproduct of working with diverse entrepreneurs is that it leads to a more diverse deal flow. 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. 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. 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. . Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts. playerId: '783ef340-6832-4112-80cd-0e5f57b51915' They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. 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. It can be hard for founders to delegate. Stay up to date with what you want to know. I want to highlight that we do not invest in women and people of color to simply check a box. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Williams understands firsthand the plight of founders of color. B.E. When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. 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. That is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article. } So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. 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. window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; A team thats all women and from very different backgrounds, we see the world differently. } SERENA VENTURES. Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. } Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. 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. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. targeting: { The former world no one tennis player and winner of 23 grand slam singles titles, Serena Williams, has her name written in golden words in the history of world tennis. Management 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. Financial services for what Stillman called the "unbanked and underbanked" and women's health companies have always ranked high on its list. They just share a same surname but have no family ties. tude.cmd.push(function() { She is so much more than just the worlds best tennis player. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. 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. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). It helps that Serena Ventures has a diverse team led by women. 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); It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. Nothings going to replace what tennis was for her, but as shes thinking about whats nextits exciting to see her as passionate about this as you see her on the court., Matching investment wits with a tennis great, Re: Amal Enan (MBA2014); By: Julia Hanna; photographed by Abdelrahman Gabr Koree, Re: David Motley (MBA1988); Rosabeth M. Kanter (Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business A week later, she asked me to come to her house and present some ideas to her. Owners & Partners are responsible for the overall success of the business. 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. NFL insider Ian has a brother named Jake Rapaport. Moreover, Rapaport is also a former golf writer at Sports Illustrated and a staff writer for Golf Digest. Also, invest in a few good people and dont try to please everyone. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Marc attend Dan's game for the first time as an audience in August 2020 at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, New York ( Source : instagram ). aid: '782078', The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. SERENA VENTURES. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Weve made some investments in the food and beverage space but are interested in the holistic wellness space as well. Every quarter, the team brainstorms sectors it wants to dive deeper into. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Besides, they have a pet dog named Bud, who has also been featured in most of her uploads. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. Besides, Marc stars in the new Netflix docu-series about the PGA golf tour, "Full Swing," which premiered on February 15, 2023. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. Nacho lover Dan and Emma enjoying photogenic landscape in Snowmass Village, Colorado, July 2021 ( Source : instagram ). Thus, Marc bought Dan a golf set on his fourth birthday. 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. Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) As a Senior Associate, Veronica sources, conducts diligence, and provides portfolio support at Serena Ventures. 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. I was someone who lived my life to be on a conveyor belt. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Alison: Skincare. 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. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. 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. She first worked as an advisory and sales analyst before getting promoted to investment specialist for the company. It is not us versus them. 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. My puppy Zoe. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Dan and Michael are unrelated and has never even talked to each other. Dan Rapaport is not related to Ian Rapaport. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', The information is out there.. 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. For fans of Williams, this year's US Open was likely a bittersweet moment. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. The company is their baby! 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. 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 The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Marc started his job in 1983 as a banker at Drexel Burnham Lambert. Marc inspired him to pursue a career in golf at the age of 4 as Dan grew up with a sister. Dan Rapaport girlfriend Emma Light is engaged in October 2021. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 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. For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. In hindsight, I did not need to worry about the other people who barely thought of me. 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.. To raise a child it takes a village. Behavioral Aspects in Decision Making (Part 2), Emerging trends in Life Insurance and how to choose the right plan. I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. Black Men XCEL 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. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. Alison Rapaport: I never thought Id pursue a career in venture. Furthermore, he is also one of the founding members of a top soccer league in the US, Major League Soccer (MLS). WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. 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. subcat: '', The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. page_type: 'article', Business partners. Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ). The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. 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. Before starting her stint at Serena Ventures, Stillman worked as a board member at Wasserman for three months and The SpringHill Company for almost three years. 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. By: Julia Hanna, Demographics-Race-African American, Black, Alumna-Led Reproductive Health Startup Raises $4.7 Million. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. subcat: '', Review address history and property records. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of SistersInc. You can also reach out to them oninfo@aysasia.com, Your email address will not be published. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. 500 Startups makes no representations as to or guarantees of specific outcomes from relying on the contents of this post. When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. Review address history and property records. 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. 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. Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. Insider chatted with Stillman about how to land a spot in the Serena Ventures portfolio. tude.cmd.push(function() { Marc works as a credit approval principal at Thorofare Capital. he wrote. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. 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 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. cnx({ 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. The entire process from pitch to investment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, Stillman said. I feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. 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. The scorecard helps the firm remain objective in its evaluation process. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. Dan Rapaport father Marc Rapaport is a real estate agent from Los Angeles. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 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. Review address history and property records. This isnt new for me, she says. Required fields are marked *. Even with her success and her privilege, she knows shes held to a different standard as a Black woman. Quoting its founder, Serena, I am by no means alone in my mission to build an inclusive venture capital landscape. Serena Ventures investments include MasterClass, Andela, Mayvenn, Tonal and Noom, to name a few. They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. Thanks for being part of ours! and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. Abena Anim-Somuah is a contributing writer at All Raise. More than half of the firm's portfolio companies were founded by women, and more than three-fourths were founded by people from historically underrepresented backgrounds, according to the firm's website. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). The same was kept secret until April 17, 2019, when the tennis star took to Instagram to post about it. Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. As a result, they were able to provide for their children. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Women of Power Summit WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. 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. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Dana Iverson is a contributing writer at All Raise. Dana Iverson: What got you into venture, and what is keeping you here? 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. He worked for numerous organisations in various positions, including manager, director, and executive. The two cherished couple, beaming happy in the early morning, enjoyed an excellent breakfast as she held a Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. "You want to do something that's going to make it easy for us to understand your business," Stillman said. 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. Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. ]); 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. Thats just the way of the land. 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. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', The team also scores each prospective investment that makes it past the introductory rounds. Have a great Thursday. 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. Stillman said it's especially important for founders to be self-aware enough to know when they need to hire employees. Alison's role is Manager: A founder should hire a team around themselves and hire for what they are not. Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. 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. I was at a conference and Caryn Seidman-Becker, the founder of CLEAR, was on stage and she said less than 2% of all VC money goes to women. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The natural beauty of the world around the island struck them. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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 Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Thanks for being part of ours! Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Register for your account and get started with our industry leading people contacts search engine. cnx.cmd.push(function() { I spent my teenage and college years trying to be liked and now I talk to three people from my high school. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. I go up to her afterward and asked, Tell me about this 2 percent I know maybe you misspoke, Ms. Williams recounted. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. Serena Ventures has made investments in over 30 companies across multiple industries, including Coinbase, Daily Harvest, and Billie to name a few. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. 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 When Serena Williams announced her retirement earlier this month, there was plenty of talk of the tennis superstars 23 Grand Slam titles. This post is intended solely for general informational or educational purposes only. They are innovators who understand what goes into building companies. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. 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. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. 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. Thanks for being part of ours! She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. There are so many things that keep me in venture. Not surprisingly, thats a big reason why women and entrepreneurs of color struggle to access venture funding. Im more on the analytical side, the portfolio-construction side. Alison Stillman's job functions are Entrepreneurship, Operations, Alison Stillman's LinkedIn profile can be found at, https://linkedin.com/in/aliso***illman-cfa***. Serena Ventures has a market cap of $14 billion and 29 active investments. Im still able to see the opportunity and help the company grow. He supports all aspects of existing deals through analysis, market research, competitive landscapes, financial modeling, and deal structuring. 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. Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS Serena Williams founded Serena Ventures in 2014. }); !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); To raise a child it takes a village. }).render('5eec50a0f683429ca3814da74bd486aa'); Delivers pre-prepped, frozen, healthy cuisine to your door. The food we eat, the space we live in, and the tools we use at home are all getting a second look. 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. Still, 76% of Serena Ventures portfolio founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Subscribe to Newsletter Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. You can find her on Twitter. Business partners. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. It's not the only thing." The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). 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. 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. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. 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. 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