Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. By: Julia Hanna, Demographics-Race-African American, Black, Alumna-Led Reproductive Health Startup Raises $4.7 Million. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { We had great chemistry on that call. It can be hard for founders to delegate. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. My puppy Zoe. 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. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. env: 'prod', This post was written in collaboration withAsif Yahiya Sukri LLP. She makes you feel comfortable, as if youre not talking to the greatest athlete of all time. } Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. Dog mom . Ultimately, Stillman believes that a Serena Ventures company is defined by three qualities. 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 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. 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. To raise a child it takes a village. } She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. 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. 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. Marc works as a credit approval principal at Thorofare Capital. We cant resort to a theater allyship, you have to do the work write the checks and make the hires. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Many recommendations they now get come from current portfolio companies. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. 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. Dan and Michael are unrelated and has never even talked to each other. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), This describes the type of investor the person is (e.g. Alison: I took my first call with Serena from a bridal store while trying on bridesmaid dresses for a friends wedding. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. She first worked as an advisory and sales analyst before getting promoted to investment specialist for the company. Alisa Gumbs is the executive managing editor of BLACK ENTERPRISE, planning and creating content across the company's print, digital, events, and broadcast platforms. 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. Emma posted their first picture online on Valentine's in 2020. He supports all aspects of existing deals through analysis, market research, competitive landscapes, financial modeling, and deal structuring. Founders should send a deck with their pitch even if it's just a "teaser deck." The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. Last week, amid the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Serena Williams played what were likely the final matches of her tennis career. They have scheduled their marriage on June 10, 2023. We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. Review address history and property records. and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. Nacho lover Moreover, Dan has a younger sister Robyn Rapaport, founder of Shop Robynro. 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. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS It has been fun to watch creative people in that setting because Im not a creative person. ]); Required fields are marked *. We are focusing not just on the people, but on the market. Were working on a mission that is bigger than any one of us and that makes me feel excited to do my job. 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. 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 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 WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. 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. B.E. 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. "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. Partner @Serenaventures. When Serena Williams announced her retirement earlier this month, there was plenty of talk of the tennis superstars 23 Grand Slam titles. The two lovebirds had a great time ice skating in Snowmass Village, Colorado. 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. ]); Ms. Rapaport Stillman previously worked at JPMorgan, Wasserman and Melo7 Tech. "The founder can't be doing everything," Stillman said. Thats just the way of the land. She has brought so much joy to our family and is a living reminder that there is a world beyond my screen. Dan often goes golfing with Marc where as Sheri stays as home waiting for them ( Source : instagram ). The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. He has been in the industry for four decades. Masthead. SERENA VENTURES. Thats how we met. Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? 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 food we eat, the space we live in, and the tools we use at home are all getting a second look. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. 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. We do VC differently through standout strategies, bold initiatives, and a global network of investors, business leaders, and influencers. Business partners. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Anyone can read what you share. . Review address history and property records. When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. 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. 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. She works alongside the tennis superstar Serena Williams in overseeing the business and sourcing new investments. Then in July 2011, she landed a job at JP Morgan Assest Management firm. After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. 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.. cat: 'entrepreneurship', Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. subcat: '', tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { "Maybe we're so enamored by the founder, but when we actually take the time to dig down into the economics, it might not be the right thing," Stillman said. Alison Rapaport: I never thought Id pursue a career in venture. 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. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. Thanks for being part of ours! SERENA VENTURES. Try not to control everything. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. Dog mom . You can find her on Twitter. She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist. 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. As a result, they were able to provide for their children. 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. Serena is such a smart and driven person. 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. One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. 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. 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. She eventually widened the criteria and today Serena Ventures will fund anyone with a good idea. 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 ). baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. SERENA VENTURES. Their most recent diversity investment was on December 5, 2020, when Kiira Health raised. Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). 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. Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. "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. Serena Ventures investments include MasterClass, Andela, Mayvenn, Tonal and Noom, to name a few. Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, finding companies that solve bigger consumer problems. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Fund Budgeting & Cash Flow Management What are the financial nuts and bolts of launching and managing a venture fund? Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. It's your child. 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. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. Also, invest in a few good people and dont try to please everyone. 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. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. I dont gamble. We dont fit the mold of venture.. They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. page_type: 'article', Ian Rapaport a television analyst and pundit for National Football League (NFL) ( Source : instagram ). Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. The information is out there.. 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. I go up to her afterward and asked, Tell me about this 2 percent I know maybe you misspoke, Ms. Williams recounted. 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. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. She has been actively investing in a portfolio worth at least $10 million in more than 50 startups through Serena Ventures over the past 6 years. ]); Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Partner @Serenaventures. 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. Black Men XCEL 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 Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. Like, look at what we have done.. 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 Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. My fianc and I have had her for about two months. Abena: What advice would you give your younger self? 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. Their most recent acquisition was on May 27, 2021, when Infinite Objects raised $6M.Serena Ventures has made 21 diversity investments. The move underscores 500 Globals multi-stage initiatives. The best way to submit a pitch to Serena Ventures is through the contact form on the firm's website. Alison's role is Manager: page_type: 'article', They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 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. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. }); EVENTS When it comes to our team, thats what everyone is on board for and theyre really excited to help founders have an opportunity that they probably wouldnt have had before., The firms approach is to build a more inclusive future by investing in overlooked, underestimated, and fledgling markets.. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', 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. Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. Sales Partnership Solutions 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. Behavioral Aspects in Decision Making (Part 2), Emerging trends in Life Insurance and how to choose the right plan. In October 2020, the duo enjoyed a family lunch with their parents at a cosy restaurant in LA, California. window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. Alison: Skincare. Thanks for being part of ours! WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. Dog mom . That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. 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. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. Every company that we invest in isnt meant for Alison Rapaport Stillman and I know that, she said. To raise a child it takes a village. Women of Power Summit 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. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', As an angel investor, you can only do so much, the world-class athlete, businesswoman, and philanthropist told BLACK ENTERPRISE exclusively. When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. Im still able to see the opportunity and help the company grow. Allows traders to buy and sell bitcoin in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. tude.cmd.push(function() { Ive been watching a lot of reruns of reality shows. aid: '782078', Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. aid: '782078', WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. 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. cat: 'entrepreneurship', div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs.