Interview Serena Williams: "You Can’t Fake Sport. That’s Why I Invest In It"

Why Serena’s all in on women’s sports and betting big on authenticity in an AI world Meet Serena: The GOAT Who’s Flipping the Game Off-Court, Too Serena Williams doesn’t do things halfway. Whether it’s rewriting tennis history as the only person to pull off a golden slam in both singles and  doubles—or disrupting the world of venture capital with Serena Ventures—she shows up, locked in and unapologetically fierce. This interview dives deep into the mindset that fueled her athletic dominance, how she turned her curiosity for tech into a decade-long investing career, and why she’s hell-bent on flipping the script on who gets funded. From angel investing to backing 14+ unicorns, Serena’s not just playing the game—she’s changing the field. And yes, she’s still got plenty more moves ahead. The Lowdown Serena is the only person with golden slams in both singles and doubles. Her love for the grind—whether tennis or investing—is what kept her going. Serena Ventures was a “Plan B” that turned into a power play: 14+ unicorns and counting. Less than 2% of VC funding goes to women; Serena’s fixing that. Her investing strategy? Diversify the check-writers to diversify the future. She’s all-in on women’s sports—investing in Angel City FC and Toronto Tempo. Her daughters, Olympia and Adira, inspire her to normalize ambition for girls. Next up: full-throttle focus on VC with a side of global impact. “Even When You Love Something, You Still Have to Fight for It” Chasing greatness wasn’t about the destination—it was about winning each day. Serena never had a big ‘aha’ moment. She stayed laser-focused on progress, not perfection. Passion and grit were the twin engines. Mental toughness was the invisible shield. “You gotta just love what you do and be passionate about it.” — Serena Williams “Plan A Was Tennis. Plan B Was Power Moves.” What started as a side hustle turned into a juggernaut. A decade into investing, Serena’s built a portfolio with serious muscle. Her love for tech runs deep—it was always in her hands, shaping her curiosity. She’s not just funding products; she’s shaping how we live. “I had to be a part of it. I became really passionate about it.” — Serena Williams “Less Than 2%? That’s Not Just a Stat—That’s a Red Flag.” When she found out that less than 2% of VC money went to women—and even less to women of color—she didn’t just raise eyebrows, she raised capital. Serena isn’t here to fix broken systems quietly. She’s making noise, building teams that reflect the world we live in. “If you have the same people writing the checks, they’ll go to the same people.” — Serena Williams “14 Unicorns and Counting. But It’s Deeper Than That.” Serena doesn’t name-drop investments. But she’s clear—if it’s changing lives, she’s all in. With 14+ unicorns in the bag and millions using her portfolio products, she’s investing in impact, not just exits. “They’re like babies. But yeah, my favorites are the ones returning on the portfolio.” — Serena Williams “You Can’t Fake Sport. That’s Why I Invest In It.” She’s got skin in the game. From the Miami Dolphins to Toronto Tempo, Serena is betting on women’s sports—not just out of loyalty, but because the market is finally catching up. With AI and tech running wild, sport stays real. “With all the innovations... sport is one thing you can’t fake.” — Serena Williams “My Daughters Deserve a World That’s Fair. Period.” For Olympia and Adira, Serena’s building more than a legacy. She’s creating a world where girls can dream in every direction. Her blueprint? Visibility, opportunity, and never apologizing for ambition. “They should still have the same success and opportunities as anyone else.” — Serena Williams “To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected” Serena’s not hoarding her wins. Through her foundation and platform, she’s giving back in ways that echo beyond donations. Sometimes, the biggest gift is inspiration—and she knows it started that way for her too. “Philanthropy isn’t just money. Sometimes it’s just being seen.” — Serena Williams Quickfire What’s next? “VC. Investing. Running my firm. It’s a huge adventure—and a lot of work.” Favorite investment? “They’re like my babies... but the ones returning on the portfolio? Definitely high on the list.” What keeps you going? “Passion. And being a mom. That’s its own kind of power.” Final Word? Serena isn’t stopping. She’s just changing courts.