Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. Most notably, she helped launch the African Leadership University, named one of Africas most innovative companies in 2016 by Fast Company, and founded Black Women in Venture Capital, a community of over 200 Black women in venture capital who envision an equitable VC system. SERENA VENTURES. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. I dont gamble. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Subscribe to Newsletter While interviewing for jobs, she was the only person who I felt would empower me to succeed. Sign up to stay up to date on global innovation. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Dan posted a congratulations tweet in August 2022 as she represented the company in the New York Stock Exchange. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', 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, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. On that front, Alison advocates working with organizations like BLCK VC or All Raise. 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 ). tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. pos: 'right_rail_3', 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. 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. SistersInc. Women of Power Summit Sitting in a room for six months brainstorming to find a white space with a huge market opportunity is not the way to build a company. 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. To raise a child it takes a village. Take trading cards, something Alison has never cared aboutthat is until alternative assets boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. In early August, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote in an essay for Vogue that she would be retiring from tennis. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. Alison Rapaport: I never thought Id pursue a career in venture. 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.. The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. 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 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. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Ashel spent time on the programming team at Kauffman Fellows and was a startup founder. There are so many things that keep me in venture. } Dana: Fill in the blank: I wouldnt get through quarantine without. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) It helps that Serena Ventures has a diverse team led by women. We cant resort to a theater allyship, you have to do the work write the checks and make the hires. Alison: Skincare. 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. Serena Ventures. "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. This post is intended solely for general informational or educational purposes only. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', The funds limited partners include Norwest Venture Partners, Capital G (Alphabets growth fund) and LionTree. The two cherished couple, beaming happy in the early morning, enjoyed an excellent breakfast as she held a Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle. He worked for numerous organisations in various positions, including manager, director, and executive. They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. Dan took to Instagram to post a picture of the two as they flaunt the ring from a resort rooftop in Friday Harbor, Washington. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Their most recent acquisition was on May 27, 2021, when Infinite Objects raised $6M.Serena Ventures has made 21 diversity investments. page_type: 'article', August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. Ive watched all of Face Off, a show where people go head-to-head with special effects and makeup. Serena is such a smart and driven person. She has brought so much joy to our family and is a living reminder that there is a world beyond my screen. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. } The tennis stars firm, Serena Ventures, will invest in founders with diverse points of view. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. 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. When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. Dan Rapaport is not related to Ian Rapaport. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', }).render('5eec50a0f683429ca3814da74bd486aa'); Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. I go up to her afterward and asked, Tell me about this 2 percent I know maybe you misspoke, Ms. Williams recounted. 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 Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Europe, Menlo Park, China), Where the person is located (e.g. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). 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. Have a great Thursday. } 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. The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. tude.cmd.push(function() { My first time pitching was terrible. env: 'prod', Still, 76% of Serena Ventures portfolio founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Thats my job, to make the unfamiliar familiar she said. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. 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. My path to Serena Ventures started with another sports superstar, ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Investors claiming they cant find opportunities to invest in women and founders of color probably arent trying hard enough, said Alison. ]); Its time we all play on the same court. subcat: '', Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Were working on a mission that is bigger than any one of us and that makes me feel excited to do my job. Registry of Corporate Directors. "I am one proud little brother!!" Partner @Serenaventures. 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. 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. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? Williams first started investing a little over nine years ago because of what she calls a natural draw to technology and a desire to be involved with all of the startups she was seeing pop up in the space. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', My friends were asking questions that I didnt have the answers to, but I got better with time and more practice. Amongst the portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of the founders are women or people of color. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. subcat: '', 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. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. To take a closer look at how Serena Ventures developed its diverse portfolio and pipeline, Alison recently joined 500 Startups CEO Christine Tsai for a fireside chat at the 2021 Unity and Inclusion Summit. Last week, amid the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Serena Williams played what were likely the final matches of her tennis career. 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. Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/business/serena-williams-venture-fund.html. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. That includes companies that focus on issues from mobility to menopause to deathtech, Stillman said. page_type: 'article', The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist. It receives about 200 pitches there a week, and Stillman said they read each one. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. As Analyst, Ashel assists with sourcing, diligence, and portfolio support initiatives at 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. 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. Abena Anim-Somuah is a contributing writer at All Raise. We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). Review address history and property records. Black Men XCEL Stay up to date with what you want to know. 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. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. Allows traders to buy and sell bitcoin in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. "It's a helpful tool for us. 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. "It's hard. I feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. 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. In her next chapter, Williams said she planned to focus on her venture-capital firm, Serena Ventures. 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. 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. Prospective investors considering an investment into any 500 Startups fund should not consider or construe this content as fund marketing material. To be successful, though, you have to let go of the reins.". So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts. It's your child. She can get an amazing read on a person and see the big picture really quickly, whereas it takes me longer. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. aid: '782078', Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Serena Ventures is led by world-class athlete, businesswoman, and philanthropist Serena Williams, and Alison Rapaport Stillman, who has previously worked at J.P. Morgan, Wasserman, and Melo7Tech Partners. Dog mom . All third party links in this post have not been independently verified by 500 Startups and the inclusion of such links should not be interpreted as an endorsement or confirmation of the content within. Besides, the one thing the golf star has in common with his fiance is their hunger for adventure and travel. aid: '782078', WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Dog mom . She is also disarmingly authentic. We are focusing not just on the people, but on the market. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Quoting its founder, Serena, I am by no means alone in my mission to build an inclusive venture capital landscape. And also, its very authentic. 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. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. } 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 Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. 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. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. 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. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. The two lovebirds had a great time ice skating in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Stillman said it's especially important for founders to be self-aware enough to know when they need to hire employees. Dana Iverson: What got you into venture, and what is keeping you here? Dana Iverson is a contributing writer at All Raise. William states, Its fun to get in there. playerId: '783ef340-6832-4112-80cd-0e5f57b51915' Sign up for notifications from Insider! Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of "The founder can't be doing everything," Stillman said. 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. Alison: Im excited about the refocus on the home. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. Dog mom . Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. So why cant a man learn about tampons? Emma posted their first picture online on Valentine's in 2020. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of The food we eat, the space we live in, and the tools we use at home are all getting a second look. 500 Startups Management Company, L.L.C. With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. 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. cnx.cmd.push(function() { She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. Review address history and property records. Dan and Emma enjoying photogenic landscape in Snowmass Village, Colorado, July 2021 ( Source : instagram ). About . 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. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. We do VC differently through standout strategies, bold initiatives, and a global network of investors, business leaders, and influencers. Lets just be honest, you know I couldnt just say Oh Im going to do this and have fun with it. Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ).