Serena Ventures

Serena Ventures, founded by tennis icon Serena Williams, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. Established with a mission to champion diverse founders and innovative companies, the firm formally launched its inaugural fund in 2022, though it had been actively investing for several years prior. Serena Ventures is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity within the tech and startup ecosystem, primarily focusing on investments in companies led by women and underrepresented minorities. Its investment philosophy extends beyond capital, aiming to provide strategic support and leverage Serena Williams' global network and brand.

The firm's investment strategy targets a broad range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, e-commerce, consumer products, and enterprise solutions. Serena Ventures typically engages with companies at the seed to Series A stages, seeking out disruptive technologies and scalable business models that address significant market opportunities. The firm looks for strong founding teams with clear visions and a commitment to growth, often prioritizing those that align with its values of diversity and social impact.

In 2022, Serena Ventures announced the closing of its inaugural fund, raising $111 million from institutional investors and family offices. This significant capital base allows the firm to deploy meaningful investments into its target companies. Typical first check sizes for Serena Ventures range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting its focus on early-stage opportunities. As of early 2022, before the full deployment of its new fund, the firm had already built a robust portfolio of over 60 companies, demonstrating its active participation in the venture landscape. Notable investments include Esusu, MasterClass, and Daily Harvest, showcasing its diverse portfolio across various high-growth industries.