Key facts
- Serena Williams states success requires daily training, discipline, and determination.
- Williams is returning to tennis to compete in doubles at the HSBC Championships.
- Serena Ventures, founded in 2014, has invested in over 14 billion-dollar companies.
- Fund 1 investments by Serena Ventures focused on underrepresented founders.
- Williams advises founders to show extreme dedication and maintain humility.
Tennis star Serena Williams shared her perspective on success, emphasizing that consistent daily effort is crucial in both sports and business. She stated that discipline and determination are key, drawing parallels between training for a tennis match and leading an entrepreneurial venture. Williams is returning to professional tennis for the HSBC Championships, competing in doubles with Victoria Mboko.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, stepped away from tennis in 2022 to focus on her business endeavors. She founded Serena Ventures in 2014, a capital fund that has backed numerous startups, with a significant focus on underrepresented founders. Fund 1 investments were 79% underrepresented founders, 54% women, 47% Black, and 11% Latino. The fund raised $111 million and its portfolio includes over 14 billion-dollar companies and several decacorns. Williams is excited to apply the determination she showed in her tennis career to her new role as a mentor for startup leaders.
She advises founders to work relentlessly, suggesting they 'show up 28 hours out of 24,' and to dust themselves off after setbacks. Williams also highlighted the importance of humility, stating it keeps individuals grounded and respectful. Other successful figures like Mark Cuban and Steve Jobs have also emphasized perseverance and hard work. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, also featured, advises founders to remain curious and not be afraid to ask questions, regardless of their position.