alison rapaport stillman
I want to highlight that we do not invest in women and people of color to simply check a box, Rapaport Stillman told the online publication All Raise. Serena Ventures was about to announce a historic $111 million raise that would change the world. cnx({ "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. Business partners. Thats just the way of the land. env: 'prod', Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. She is currently on a gap-year and works on the Public Policy and Business Development Team at Tesla. Alison Stillman has 1+ years experience as Partner. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. Dana Iverson is a contributing writer at All Raise. We are focusing not just on the people, but on the market. We also think about products that are creative, fun, and make life more enjoyable. 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. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS This post includes the views and opinions of independent third parties that are not related to or controlled by 500 Startups. However, just like in tennis, Serena does not believe in following the herd mentality while taking on investments. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, and the Western US. About 10 to 20% of pitches receive a follow-up from the firm. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. Serena Ventures invests in founders who solve everyday problems through unconventional thinking and diverse points of view. For the past nine years, it has managed a portfolio of more than 60 angel investments, using Williams own money. Serena Ventures 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. 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. That is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article. Then in July 2011, she landed a job at JP Morgan Assest Management firm. Moreover, Rapaport is also a former golf writer at Sports Illustrated and a staff writer for Golf Digest. WebVisit Alison Rapaport Stillman and Stillman Stillmans Baby Registry on Babylist. For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. The stats about the fund received by black women entrepreneurs in the recent years highlights the problem. Dan does not have a brother and Alison is his only sibling. She is also disarmingly authentic. 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. Dana: Fill in the blank: I wouldnt get through quarantine without. 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. 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. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', WebAlison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Marc and Sheri Huttner Rapaport are the proud parents of Dan Rapaport who raised him in the serene setting of Los Angeles. 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. She earned Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Operations from the campus. Contact It's not the only thing." Women of Power Summit And the only way to change those numbers was to be the person writing the big checks.. 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. 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. 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.. Wharton School, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Operations & Information Management and a minor in Psychology. 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. However, we need to acknowledge there is a problem and strive to fix it. The founding partners of Serena Ventures are Ms. Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. Delivers pre-prepped, frozen, healthy cuisine to your door. As a result, they were able to provide for their children. 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. WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. It is not us versus them. Serena agrees that there is a social purpose to that decision. and this attitude has led to White men receiving an overwhelming majority of venture capital funds. Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Abena Anim-Somuah is a contributing writer at All Raise. Another way Alison recommends sourcing diverse deal flow is by not requiring a warm intro. Serena Ventures, the venture capital fund backed and founded in 2017 by Serena Williams. Partner @Serenaventures. The pair hiked along rugged coastlines, through thick forests admiring all the beauty they witnessed. 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. Plenty of its portfolio companies come from Silicon Valley, but two of its most recent investments came from North Carolina and Wisconsin. Alison: Dont get bangs it is not worth it! Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color. WebAlison J. Rapaport, CFA, is a Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. 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. They may not be networked to them, and thats something that you can fix. An obvious solution is building a diverse team and creating internal opportunities for people with non-traditional VC backgrounds, which creates access to those wider networks. Nacho lover Business partners. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Try not to control everything. Ms. Williamss other business activities include fashion lines, entertainment deals and a seat on the board of Poshmark. She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', A team thats all women and from very different backgrounds, we see the world differently. When I met my husband, that was our first conversation. Dan popped the question to Emma in Friday Harbor, Washington in October 2021 ( Source : instagram ). We dont fit the mold of venture.. Like, look at what we have done.. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Managing partner Serena Williams and general partner Alison Rapaport Stillman have backed about 20 companies with Serena Ventures' first fund. Alison: Im excited about the refocus on the home. 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. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. cat: 'entrepreneurship', "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. Sculptwear is an alternative to traditional shapewear that gives a smooth and tucked-in look under clothing. Previously, Alison worked at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Multi- Asset Solutions and led the development of the firms Alternative Beta offering. Stillman said it's especially important for founders to be self-aware enough to know when they need to hire employees. After graduating from Brentwood school, Alison studied psychology for a while before enrolling at the Wharton School. Tennis superstar Serena Williams has just announced that her venture capital firm,Serena Ventures, has raised $111 million dollars in an inaugural fund. Some of Alison Stillman's colleagues are Alison Rapaport, Amy Berliner, Kyra Mccarty, Alison Rapapaort, Olivia Griffian, Serena Williams, Jair Bobbitt, Veronica Reaves. On that front, Alison advocates working with organizations like BLCK VC or All Raise. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. 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. url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', 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 feel like I go to sleep getting messages from her and wake up getting messages from her, Rapaport told Fortune. Serena Williams in Hollywood in November. page_type: 'article', For me success is when you dont have to have the quota, said Alison. 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. ', Just like on the court, Williams is all about performance: I really wanted to spend time in creating something for that very reason, so when questions are asked its like, not only do we have answers, but we have exits and we have unicorns. This mindset allows us to have a broad and holistic approach to invest in FinTech, Wellness, and everything in between. tag: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', Sep 10, 2022, 7:00 AM Serena Williams and Alison Rapaport Stillman. 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 targeting: { She is so much more than just the worlds best tennis player. Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. Sales Partnership Solutions Serena Ventures invests in early-stage companies, but Stillman said the firm understood that companies wouldn't always adhere to their original pitches as they grew. The FDA nears final approval on vaccines for young kids, women feel unprepared for menopause, and Zola adds a co-CEO. Serena Ventures investments include MasterClass, Andela, Mayvenn, Tonal and Noom, to name a few. Venture is one of the most inequitable places to work. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner, Alison's role is Manager: Owner & Partner, Partner. With Sheri and Marc's established careers, the Full Swing star enjoyed a secure upbringing and affluent lifestyle during childhood. Emma also posted a picture on her Instagram as they shared a passionate kiss after he popped her the question. I just want people that believe in our mission and that want to be a part of something really amazing. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Serena Ventures partner Alison Rapaport Stillman thinks VCs need to get out of their comfort zones. 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. I spent my teenage and college years trying to be liked and now I talk to three people from my high school. Sells personal care, food, and household goods products under the Brandless brand. Williams understands firsthand the plight of founders of color. It receives about 200 pitches there a week, and Stillman said they read each one. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. Insider chatted with Stillman about how to land a spot in the Serena Ventures portfolio. Ian Rapaport a television analyst and pundit for National Football League (NFL) ( Source : instagram ). Besides, the one thing the golf star has in common with his fiance is their hunger for adventure and travel. Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. aid: '782078', WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. tude.cmd.push(function() { Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of cat: 'entrepreneurship', My first time pitching was terrible. It's your baby. WebAlison Rapaport Stillman, Serena Ventures. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 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. I dont jump off buildings. Accelerating the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education. Financial services for what Stillman called the "unbanked and underbanked" and women's health companies have always ranked high on its list. They want to work with us because they know that we will come to them from a place of empathy, said Alison. 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.. Dog mom . In her next chapter, Williams said she planned to focus on her venture-capital firm, Serena Ventures. The company is their baby! They are finding new sectors to focus on, such as the rise of online education. Dog mom . For fans of Williams, this year's US Open was likely a bittersweet moment. 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. This isnt new for me, she says. During my time at Harvard Business School, I had the opportunity to work with Melo7 Tech Partners, where I was exposed to the world of VC. The same goes for actor Michael Rapaport. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', They had one problem: their brand didnt reflect who they were as a firm- or as people. WebAllison Stillman is the director of Aroma Blue, bringing aromatherapy to people in recovery. Alison Rapaport Stillman, General Partner, Serena Ventures (Image: Courtesy of Serena Ventures) For Williams, surrounding herself with other smart women was a no-brainer. Im the most non-taking-a-chance kind of a person, but I felt like a seed was where we wanted to be.. Among its portfolio of more than 50 companies, 60% of founders are people of color. } If you have a cold inbound, you can find great opportunities, she says. Business partners. That includes looking at digital learning as a supplement and a way to attack inequities in traditional education systems. Take trading cards, something Alison has never cared aboutthat is until alternative assets boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS Alison: We invest early in a market and a founder. Dan Rapaport sister is named Alison Rapaport Stillman. To raise a child it takes a village. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Serena Williams raises $111 million for new venture fund. 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 url: 'serena,williams,venture,capital,firm,raises,111,million', Sign up for notifications from Insider! Partner @Serenaventures. 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 ). Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. Abena Anim-Somuah: Tell us how you met Serena and what drew you to work with her? Marc inspired him to pursue a career in golf at the age of 4 as Dan grew up with a sister. Serena is such a smart and driven person. SERENA VENTURES. The views expressed herein are as at the date of this summary and are subject to change without notice. A week later, she asked me to come to her house and present some ideas to her. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Asif Yahiya Sukri LLP provides unparalleled personalized financial services to a broad range of clients across different geographical locations. Yet, because of the areas they want to serve, Alison says they still naturally fund women, Black and Latinx founders. 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. The General partner is Alison Rapport Stillman. page_type: 'article', 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. 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. Alison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Serena Ventures Serena Williams launched Serena Ventures in 2014 and has invested in over 60 companies. 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. I felt that it was an opportunity to combine my skill set with a mission and make a difference. The two cherished couple, beaming happy in the early morning, enjoyed an excellent breakfast as she held a Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle. 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. I legit thought she misspoke because 98% is a huge number, Williams says. Thus, Marc bought Dan a golf set on his fourth birthday. kw: 'mandc,black-venture-capitalists,newsletter-lead,serena-ventures,serena-williams,vc', 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? There are so many things that keep me in venture. August 10, 2022, 5:31 AM PDT. 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.. 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. One meeting led to another and the next thing you know, Im working at Serena Ventures. The golf guy at Barstool Sports currently lives a serene life with his fiance Emma in the radiant metropolis of Brooklyn, New York. Have a great Thursday. But it is important to have a founder who can be self-aware, handle feedback, and build a team to help them be successful. Ive watched all of Face Off, a show where people go head-to-head with special effects and makeup. 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. Privacy Policy 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. But as Serena Ventures is proving, it doesnt have to be this way. Alison Stillman has been with Serena Ventures for a few months and is in Owner What is Alison Stillman's role in 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. When one thinks of the name Serena Williams, the majority of thoughts flow in the direction of her impeccable tennis career. 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. } She is a founding partner at Serena Ventures after joining the capital fund company in 2018. Serena Williams, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures and Alison Rapaport Stillman, founding and managing partner at Serena Ventures. She can get an amazing read on a person and see the big picture really quickly, whereas it takes me longer. You can find her on Twitter. 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. Thats a great way to get people to pitch to you who otherwise might not try, said Alison. We had great chemistry on that call. It also helps that a byproduct of working with diverse entrepreneurs is that it leads to a more diverse deal flow. Alison Stillman is a Managing Partner at Serena Ventures based in Sugar Land, Texas. 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.