That includes companies that focus on issues from mobility to menopause to deathtech, Stillman said. Onstage at an event, Ms. Seidman-Becker said less than 2 percent of venture money went to women. Weve made some investments in the food and beverage space but are interested in the holistic wellness space as well. Im the most non-taking-a-chance kind of a person, but I felt like a seed was where we wanted to be.. 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. "It's hard. Dana: Fill in the blank: I wouldnt get through quarantine without. The tennis stars firm, Serena Ventures, will invest in founders with diverse points of view. 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. Dan Rapaport is not related to Ian Rapaport. After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. Williams was heavily involved in her firms decision-making process well before she announced her retirement. 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. 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. A team thats all women and from very different backgrounds, we see the world differently. Dana: The goal of Serena Ventures is to make everyday lives better. How does this manifest in the companies that you choose to invest in? Dan and Marc enjoying golf during dusk in Cabot Cliffs, July 2019 ( Source : instagram ). Alison's role is Manager: Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Required fields are marked *. This post includes the views and opinions of independent third parties that are not related to or controlled by 500 Startups. Review address history and property records. Alison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. I hurriedly picked a dress, which luckily fit, and jumped on the call. Even with her success and her privilege, she knows shes held to a different standard as a Black woman. ]); kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', 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. aid: '782078', San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley), This describes the type of investor the person is (e.g. . That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. Contact SERENA VENTURES. It receives about 200 pitches there a week, and Stillman said they read each one. It helps that Serena Ventures has a diverse team led by women. Every company that we invest in isnt meant for Alison Rapaport Stillman and I know that, she said. "A Serena Ventures company is gritty, mission-oriented, and pushing boundaries," she said. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. WebDiscover any aliases as well as possible relatives and associates of Alison Rapaport Stillman. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. Stillman said long emails and 10-page business plans, on the other hand, were not welcome. Nacho lover Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in Serena Ventures? My friends were asking questions that I didnt have the answers to, but I got better with time and more practice. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. subcat: '', There is no recent news or activity for this profile. 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. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. So I spent the week practicing my pitch with friends. 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 ]); Produces a new generation of meats and cheeses made entirely from plants. targeting: { We also want to see a founder who is self-aware. }).render('5eec50a0f683429ca3814da74bd486aa'); Alison: Skincare. 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. They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. She is also disarmingly authentic. 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. Alison's role is Manager: With my little experience in venture, I knew that I had to go in prepared and used all of my resources to get ready. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist. Moreover, Dan has a younger sister Robyn Rapaport, founder of Shop Robynro. 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. and its affiliates (collectively 500 Startups) makes no representation as to the accuracy or information in this post and while reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information herein is accurate and up-to-date, no liability can be accepted for any error or omissions. Behavioral Aspects in Decision Making (Part 2), Emerging trends in Life Insurance and how to choose the right plan. The pair had unforgettable intimate moments in a cold, chilly environment in the woods near a lake. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Web2,862 Followers, 1,028 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Ali Jo Rapaport Stillman (@ali_jo_rap_stillman) Dan popped the question to Emma in Friday Harbor, Washington in October 2021 ( Source : instagram ). WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. A week later, she asked me to come to her house and present some ideas to her. When she is not working on the Business Development team at Ada Support, she is avidly baking and elevating Black culinary creatives on Instagram , listening to a podcast, or digging into a good book. 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 is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. This makes a lot of sense invest in what you know! and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. The latest Tweets from Alison Stillman (@alison_stillman). Entrepreneurs Summit Management August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. Amongst the portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of the founders are women or people of color. 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. Abena Anim-Somuah is a contributing writer at All Raise. With a presence in the USA, India and the MENA region, they ensure that all of your financial decisions are made carefully and with your best interests in mind. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. 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. SERENA VENTURES. 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. 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. 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. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. About 10 to 20% of pitches receive a follow-up from the firm. aid: '782078', Partner @Serenaventures. 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. Alison's role is Manager: Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. Investing in people who look like you eventually leads to systemic exclusion. INFORMATION Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. 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. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. To be successful, though, you have to let go of the reins.". With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. And that needs to happen across the board.. We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. 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. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Partner @Serenaventures. A founder should hire a team around themselves and hire for what they are not. According to the National Venture Capital Association data, only 4% of the people who work in venture capital are Black. It's not the only thing." 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 is such a smart and driven person. Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. He supports all aspects of existing deals through analysis, market research, competitive landscapes, financial modeling, and deal structuring. Emma posted their first picture online on Valentine's in 2020. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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.. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. Thanks for being part of ours! Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Zoe is the best decision that we have made in quarantine. 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 ). Abena: What traits stand out to you in a founding team? 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. Thanks for being part of ours! Moreover, Rapaport is also a former golf writer at Sports Illustrated and a staff writer for Golf Digest. and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. 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. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Serena Ventures has made investments in over 30 companies across multiple industries, including Coinbase, Daily Harvest, and Billie to name a few. }); !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); Financial services for what Stillman called the "unbanked and underbanked" and women's health companies have always ranked high on its list. 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 Noom and Impossible Foods, among others. They are innovators who understand what goes into building companies. Like thats not even possible, thats near perfect., I couldnt wrap my mind around basically almost 100% of money is going to the men., And thats when Williams investing mission was formed: I wanted to really bring diversity to VC in the way that I could. Venture capitalists tend to believe in founders who feel familiar and thereby move forward to fund them. Below, Stillman explains how the firm evaluates prospective investments and what makes the winners stand out. Her firm, Serena Ventures, is an active angel investor with a portfolio of 60 companies. Alison Stillman Goes By Allison Stillman Nashville, TN Age: 67 Full Name: Allison Stillman Current Home Address: 5329 Old Village Rd Nashville TN 37211 Learn more about the 20+ companies we've invested in and what's next. 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. SERENA VENTURES. Then to further intensify her business knowledge, she attended Harvard Buisness School in Boston, Massachusetts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', I spent my teenage and college years trying to be liked and now I talk to three people from my high school. Thanks for being part of ours! ]); We have been trying to do this for a long time and Im excited to see the current momentum. You can find her on Twitter. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. When I eventually presented the pitches to Serena, she asked the same questions that I had worked to prepare for. He has been in the industry for four decades. Then in July 2011, she landed a job at JP Morgan Assest Management firm. Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. She earned Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Operations from the campus. Alison: There are a lot of different ways to think about making everyday lives better. Looking at the VC industry more broadly, Alison doesnt see a diverse pipeline problem, but a networking issue. Alison graduated from Harvard Business School in March 2018 ( Source : instagram ). Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Dan often goes golfing with Marc where as Sheri stays as home waiting for them ( Source : instagram ). Dan took to Instagram to post a picture of the two as they flaunt the ring from a resort rooftop in Friday Harbor, Washington. Alison married Alec Stillman in October 2020, and they welcomed a daughter named Lucy in February 2023. Every quarter, the team brainstorms sectors it wants to dive deeper into. cat: 'entrepreneurship', One recent investment they made is Fiveable, a woman-led Milwaukie edtech startup helping students prepare for AP exams by offering free online resources. Dana: What trends are you excited to see in the world of consumer? Have a great Thursday. Registry of Corporate Directors. 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 Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. You can also reach out to them oninfo@aysasia.com, Your email address will not be published. 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. env: 'prod', pos: 'right_rail_2', ABOUT The former Sports Illustrated writer denied any connection with Ian via a Reddit post in 2018. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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. While interviewing for jobs, she was the only person who I felt would empower me to succeed. 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. The funds limited partners include Norwest Venture Partners, Capital G (Alphabets growth fund) and LionTree. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. WebThe General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. Dan with Alison, Robyn, Marc and Sheri celebrates Marc's birthday in Hawaii, February 2022 ( Source : instagram ). 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. Suddenly, she found herself learning about trading cards, trying to understand the market and find opportunities. Ultimately, Stillman believes that a Serena Ventures company is defined by three qualities. Not surprisingly, thats a big reason why women and entrepreneurs of color struggle to access venture funding. Black Men XCEL You can find her on Twitter. Impact can take many forms, she continues. While writing for her CNN Business Perspective column, she mentions the challenges black women entrepreneurs face while raising funds for their startups in the white and male predominant venture capital industry. It is important to us that the founder has a personal connection to the problem and is uniquely positioned to solve it. 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. Privacy Policy Either Stillman, Williams, or another member of the firm's six-person team will schedule an introductory call with the founder. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { And also, its very authentic. Alison Stillman has 1+ years experience as Partner. 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. She is a student at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs with Minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Studies. August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. I was talking about investments. Ms. Williamss husband is the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. I dont jump off buildings. 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 } Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. About Moreover, in May 2021, the two soulmates looked chic as they attended their friend's wedding in Wailea-Makena. As Analyst, Ashel assists with sourcing, diligence, and portfolio support initiatives at Serena Ventures. 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 worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. In a December 2020 interview with the HBS Alumni Bulletin, Stillman describes the duos skill sets as different and super complementary. 500 Startups Management Company, L.L.C. Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. pos: 'right_rail_3', Ian Rapaport a television analyst and pundit for National Football League (NFL) ( Source : instagram ). WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Serena Ventures' portfolio companies span a variety of industries, but Stillman said there were a few areas it had always been interested in. We had great chemistry on that call. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. Prospective investors considering an investment into any 500 Startups fund should not consider or construe this content as fund marketing material. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS The couple had been to many beautiful locations throughout the globe, the nuances of which Emma has captured in photographs. We want to make sure that we dont necessarily neatly check a box. Im still able to see the opportunity and help the company grow. 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. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Just to be clear, you dont have to be a person of color or a woman to be in our fund, Williams says. As she learned more about the world of funding, Williams was shocked by the inequities. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. The food we eat, the space we live in, and the tools we use at home are all getting a second look. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. 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. Partner @Serenaventures. Serena Ventures has a market cap of $14 billion and 29 active investments. My path to Serena Ventures started with another sports superstar, ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony. 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. Clayton, who landed on Venture Capital Journals 2023 list of Rising Stars, talks about his journey and shares some advice for founders. Serena Ventures doesnt require that its founders come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, though it says about three-quarters of its portfolio company founders do. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. 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. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. When Im serving, I dont serve at 98%. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. Those include "business opportunity, founder fit, business model, and mission alignment," she told Insider by email. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones.
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