Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital

CEO Series: Serena Williams, Serena Ventures

Feb 27, 2025
Guest
Serena Williams
In this conversation, tennis icon and venture capitalist Serena Williams shares her journey from winning 23 Grand Slam titles to becoming a powerhouse in business. She discusses embracing authenticity and resilience while navigating the challenges of being a Black woman in sports. Serena emphasizes the significance of investing in diversity through her firm, Serena Ventures, and advocates for empowering future generations. Her insights on reclaiming joy and redefining power offer a game-changing perspective on success beyond the court.
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ANECDOTE

Racial Bias in Tennis

  • Serena and Venus Williams faced criticism for their appearance and style, including beaded braids.
  • A competitor complained about their hair accessories being distracting during matches.
ANECDOTE

Indian Wells Incident

  • Following Venus' withdrawal from a match, Serena faced a hostile, racist crowd at the Indian Wells final.
  • Despite this, she persevered and won, later boycotting the event for 14 years.
INSIGHT

Return to Indian Wells and Activism

  • Serena Williams returned to Indian Wells in 2015, using the opportunity to raise money for the Equal Justice Initiative.
  • This demonstrated her commitment to racial justice.
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