MICHIGAN, USA – Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female tennis player of all time, is closing in on a net worth valuation of nearly $300 million, according to data monitored by The Trent on Forbes on Friday, August 25, 2023.
The tennis legend, who retired from professional sports last year, continues to make her mark as a business tycoon and investor, especially focusing on startups across the globe and in Africa.
Financial Milestones
At 41, Williams was listed among America’s Self-Made Women in 2023 with a then-net worth of $260 million.
Since that report, her net worth has soared to $290 million, buoyed by her various business ventures and endorsement deals worth $45 million.
Though she has retired from the sport, Serena has a lifetime tennis winnings totaling approximately $95 million.
Venture Capital in Focus
Since retiring, Williams has dedicated her financial acumen to venture capital investments through her fund, Serena Ventures.
Established in 2014, the fund laid out $111 million last year to back enterprises that champion values such as diverse leadership, individual empowerment, and creativity.
One of the significant beneficiaries of Serena Ventures is Andela, a company known for its diverse leadership.
Andela aligns well with Serena Ventures’ mission of promoting diversity and empowerment.
Last year, Serena Ventures led a $3.3 million funding round for Stears Inc., a Nigerian data and insights firm.
The funding initiative also garnered support from MaC Enterprise Capital, Omidyar Group’s Luminate Fund, Melo 7 Tech Companions, and Cascador.
“Investing in Stears Inc. is just the beginning of my growing interest in African companies,” Williams said, expressing her intent to focus more on the continent post-retirement.
Diversifying Her Portfolio
Serena’s business ventures are not limited to venture capital. She co-founded Will Perform, a startup focusing on topical pain relief products and muscle and skin care.
Earlier this year, she also launched Nine Two Six Productions, a multimedia company to bolster her role as a producer.
On the endorsement front, Williams continues her partnerships with over a dozen high-profile brands, keeping her firmly in the spotlight even as she steps back from professional sports.
Her foray into the entertainment and literary worlds also includes a cameo in the 2022 film “Glass Onion” and the release of her first children’s book in September 2022.
Moreover, Williams holds a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins, adding another layer to her already impressive portfolio.
A Second Act
While Serena Williams may have hung up her tennis racket, her influence continues to grow in business, philanthropy, and beyond.
As she nears a $300 million net worth, her story is a compelling testament to the endless possibilities beyond the tennis court.
Her proactive investment in diverse and empowering initiatives, especially in Africa, highlights the evolving legacy of a woman who is just as formidable in the boardroom as she was on the tennis court.
