OUR STORY

Since 2014, Serena Ventures has championed founders whose perspectives and innovations level the playing field for women and people of color.

We believe that check writers should be change agents, so we invest in products and ideas that unlock value for investors, doors for founders, and opportunities for everyone to live better.

SERENA WILLIAMS

MANAGING PARTNER

As a world-class athlete, businesswoman, philanthropist and mother, Serena Williams knows what it takes to win. She has persevered to become one of the top tennis players in history with 23 Grand Slam titles.

Serena began actively investing nine years ago when she saw the impact that startups had on everyday lives; in building Serena Ventures, she has been able to multiply that effort.

Alison Rapaport Stillman is a Founding General Partner at Serena Ventures, overseeing portfolio management and sourcing new investments. In addition to growing the reach and impact of the SV portfolio, Alison is the person founders turn to when they need pointed advice, detailed feedback, and tough love.

Alison holds a BS from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is a CFA charterholder.

ALISON RAPAPORT STILLMAN

GENERAL PARTNER

PAVAN SETHI

ASSOCIATE

Pavan is an Associate at Serena Ventures where he researches market trends, dives into emerging sectors, and sources new investment opportunities. He supports all aspects of existing deals through analysis, market research, competitive landscapes, financial modeling, and deal structuring.

He brings a unique perspective from product & operational roles at early-stage startups building everything from early food delivery to web3. Most recently, he was on the founding team of Cent, which became one of the first web3 social networks. He is overly optimistic about tech and the value it can bring in building a better future and the unlock that comes with making venture capital more equitable.

As Analyst, Ashelë assists with sourcing, diligence, and portfolio support initiatives at Serena Ventures. Having dabbled in almost everything from marketing to accounting, her intellectual athleticism makes her excited about exploring new sectors and industries. Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Ashelë spent time on the programming team at Kauffman Fellows and was a startup founder.

Ashelë earned a B.A. in French and Francophone Society and Culture from the University of Chicago.

ASHELË WOODS

ANALYST

KYRA MCCARTY

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kyra is the Operations Manager for Serena Ventures where she oversees the day-to-day operations for the team and helps manage LPs, Portfolio Founders, and prospective investment companies. She comes to Serena Ventures from Equitable Advisors, where she worked as an Investment Operations Specialist.

Kyra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Bachelor of Science in Math from Southern Methodist University.

OLIVIA GRIFFIAN

CHIEF OF STAFF TO SERENA WILLIAMS

Prior to joining Serena Ventures, Olivia launched her first startup, SevenSkin Beauty, a skincare company that combines science with technology and education.

Her success led her to venture capital, where her interests include women’s health, retail, and child development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Family, Youth & Community Science from the University of Florida.