kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', tude.cmd.push(function() { My first time pitching was terrible. Clayton, who landed on Venture Capital Journals 2023 list of Rising Stars, talks about his journey and shares some advice for founders. ]); Dana: What trends are you excited to see in the world of consumer? aid: '782078', You just naturally wake up and you say, like, wow, 70% of my founders are women.. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. 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. Looking at the VC industry more broadly, Alison doesnt see a diverse pipeline problem, but a networking issue. NFL insider Ian has a brother named Jake Rapaport. he wrote. Alison Stillman's job functions are Entrepreneurship, Operations, Alison Stillman's LinkedIn profile can be found at, https://linkedin.com/in/aliso***illman-cfa***. Her Instagram feed is overflowing with many images capturing the cherished moments of their romantic love life. And the only way to change those numbers was to be the person writing the big checks.. 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. About 10 to 20% of pitches receive a follow-up from the firm. Privacy Policy 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. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. 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. The same goes for actor Michael Rapaport. Marc co-founded Jefferies and Co., where he toiled as director and executive vice chairperson from 1990 to 1995. They have scheduled their marriage on June 10, 2023. 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. Sign up to stay up to date on global innovation. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 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. Black Men XCEL subcat: '', Partner @Serenaventures. Their most recent diversity investment was on December 5, 2020, when Kiira Health raised. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. Abena: What advice would you give your younger self? subcat: '', I dont gamble. The champions for Black female founders are here to stay. Ive watched all of Face Off, a show where people go head-to-head with special effects and makeup. 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. Nacho lover divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', } As a world-class athlete, businesswoman, philanthropist and mother, Serena Williams knows what it takes to win. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Ms. Williamss other business activities include fashion lines, entertainment deals and a seat on the board of Poshmark. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Alisa Gumbs is the executive managing editor of BLACK ENTERPRISE, planning and creating content across the company's print, digital, events, and broadcast platforms. 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 The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. 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. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. playerId: '783ef340-6832-4112-80cd-0e5f57b51915' The scorecard helps the firm remain objective in its evaluation process. 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. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. We do VC differently through standout strategies, bold initiatives, and a global network of investors, business leaders, and influencers. 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. Serena Ventures has made investments in over 30 companies across multiple industries, including Coinbase, Daily Harvest, and Billie to name a few. A team thats all women and from very different backgrounds, we see the world differently. 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. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. Entrepreneurs Summit The same was kept secret until April 17, 2019, when the tennis star took to Instagram to post about it. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. targeting: { Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. page_type: 'article', And she says, No, its true. And I literally couldnt wrap my mind around the fact that 98 percent of all of this money were talking about billions of dollars goes to one type of individual.. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. Besides, they have a pet dog named Bud, who has also been featured in most of her uploads. My fianc and I have had her for about two months. Like, look at what we have done.. We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. My puppy Zoe. After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. }); !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); baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', While both individuals may have similar last names, they are not bonded. We had great chemistry on that call. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/business/serena-williams-venture-fund.html. Thats my job, to make the unfamiliar familiar she said. Previous to Serena Ventures, Alison worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase, as well as in talent management for several athletes. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Its incredible working with founders to help them solve everyday problems as well as find new companies along the way. Dan Rapaport dad Marc works in real estate and serves as the head of Thorofare Capital, a mercantile real estate pawnbroker entity. Dan popped the question to Emma in Friday Harbor, Washington in October 2021 ( Source : instagram ). cat: 'entrepreneurship', With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. I dont jump off buildings. 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. Founders should send a deck with their pitch even if it's just a "teaser deck." By: Julia Hanna, Demographics-Race-African American, Black, Alumna-Led Reproductive Health Startup Raises $4.7 Million. Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014. 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 } Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. Its been proven that the more diverse your team, the better you do, and companies are now starting to realize that, she says. If you have a cold inbound, you can find great opportunities, she says. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. aid: '782078', Review address history and property records. We dont fit the mold of venture.. She eventually widened the criteria and today Serena Ventures will fund anyone with a good idea. Just to be clear, you dont have to be a person of color or a woman to be in our fund, Williams says. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). I feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles. Europe, Menlo Park, China), 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. 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. It's not the only thing." Dan Rapaport sister is named 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. The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Furthermore, he is also one of the founding members of a top soccer league in the US, Major League Soccer (MLS). 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. 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. Ive been on a bit of a skincare kick so I have been trying a lot of Kate Somervilles products. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Moreover, Rapaport is also a former golf writer at Sports Illustrated and a staff writer for Golf Digest. It has been fun to watch creative people in that setting because Im not a creative person. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. INFORMATION 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 is the first athlete ever to hit Forbes list of the Worlds Richest Self-Made Women. pos: 'right_rail_1', Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. The company is their baby! We made our founders feel like we are partners who can help them grow, she said. 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. It's your baby. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. It's your child. Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. Alison: I took my first call with Serena from a bridal store while trying on bridesmaid dresses for a friends wedding. She is a CFA charterholder and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of The information is out there.. We want to make sure that we dont necessarily neatly check a box. 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. She first worked as an advisory and sales analyst before getting promoted to investment specialist for the company. Emma posted their first picture online on Valentine's in 2020. WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. That includes companies that focus on issues from mobility to menopause to deathtech, Stillman said. 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. Alison's role is Manager: I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Dan Rapaport girlfriend Emma Light is engaged in October 2021. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. 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. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. The funds limited partners include Norwest Venture Partners, Capital G (Alphabets growth fund) and LionTree. 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. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Its time we all play on the same court. There is no recent news or activity for this profile. 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 Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. Nacho lover Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. I felt that it was an opportunity to combine my skill set with a mission and make a difference. 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. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. This post includes the views and opinions of independent third parties that are not related to or controlled by 500 Startups. 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. Dog mom . The entire process from pitch to investment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, Stillman said. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. 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. As a Senior Associate, Veronica sources, conducts diligence, and provides portfolio support at Serena Ventures. But a number of news outlets also noted her involvement in early-stage investing and the key role played by Serena Ventures General Partner Alison Rapaport Stillman (MBA 2018), who joined forces with Williams in 2018. We cant resort to a theater allyship, you have to do the work write the checks and make the hires. Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. 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. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. It can be hard for founders to delegate. This post was written in collaboration withAsif Yahiya Sukri LLP. According to the National Venture Capital Association data, only 4% of the people who work in venture capital are Black. The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. Stillman said it's especially important for founders to be self-aware enough to know when they need to hire employees. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. 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. But it is important to have a founder who can be self-aware, handle feedback, and build a team to help them be successful. She makes you feel comfortable, as if youre not talking to the greatest athlete of all time. August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. BE 100s Take trading cards, something Alison has never cared aboutthat is until alternative assets boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan posted a congratulations tweet in August 2022 as she represented the company in the New York Stock Exchange. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. } 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. We are focusing not just on the people, but on the market. 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. 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 To be successful, though, you have to let go of the reins.". Have a great Thursday. Management }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. Alison Stillman has 1+ years experience as Partner. 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. Anyone can read what you share. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. 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. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', 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. About WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. page_type: 'article', Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. She can get an amazing read on a person and see the big picture really quickly, whereas it takes me longer. I hurriedly picked a dress, which luckily fit, and jumped on the call. Partner @Serenaventures. Owners & Partners are responsible for the overall success of the business. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Every company that we invest in isnt meant for Alison Rapaport Stillman and I know that, she said. I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. Alison Rapaport is a Partner at Serena Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund founded by tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2014. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', The two cherished couple, beaming happy in the early morning, enjoyed an excellent breakfast as she held a Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle. 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." Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. According to Zola, Dan and his future wife Emma have set their wedding date for June 10, 2023, in the scenic landscape of Chicago. Stillman said it scored companies in due diligence across a number of metrics. Always ready for a new challenge, she started out by asking a lot of questions, then investing in a fund, and then becoming an angel investor. 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. It can be as simple as making products more affordable or accessible. tude.cmd.push(function() { ]); 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. Each day is a learning experience, Im learning all the things that I would have had I taken venture classes at school. targeting: { Ultimately, Stillman believes that a Serena Ventures company is defined by three qualities. 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. Required fields are marked *. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Every quarter, the team brainstorms sectors it wants to dive deeper into. Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. ABOUT WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman.