Serena Williams Joins Reckitt Catalyst as Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Serena Williams is stepping into a new role beyond the tennis court. The legendary athlete has joined Reckitt Catalyst as an “entrepreneur-in-residence.” She will mentor early-stage U.S. startup founders through Reckitt’s social impact investment program.
The initiative is part of Reckitt’s mission to improve health and hygiene for 5 million people worldwide by 2030. Williams’ guidance will help founders gain the mentorship she once wished she had while starting her own journey as an investor.
“In hindsight, I feel like I should have had more mentors,” Williams told Business Insider. “Why learn lessons the hard way when you can learn them from someone else?”
A Champion Turned Investor and Mentor
Since retiring from tennis, Williams has fully embraced the world of venture capital. Through her firm, Serena Ventures, she manages a $111 million fund. The firm has backed more than 16 unicorns, giving her the knowledge to guide others.
As a mentor, she wants to help founders focus on real needs and strong connections. “The founder can be amazing and smart, but if it’s not needed in the market, then it doesn’t fit,” she explained. For her, passion and connection to the product make businesses stronger.
Her new role allows her to continue learning. “I feel like you learn something new every single day,” she said. “I loved school, and I feel like I’m in school all day.”
Building Connections in Venture Capital
Williams believes that mentorship is about more than advice. It is about unlocking opportunities through meaningful relationships. She often emphasizes that a founder’s ability to connect with investors can be just as important as the idea itself.
“When I think about what mentorship means and what I’ve learned, it’s really just about connections,” she said. She encourages new founders to focus on networking and relationship-building, not just their pitch.
By joining Reckitt Catalyst, Williams shows her commitment to building an ecosystem where founders have access to both guidance and networks. Her presence is set to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs who are passionate about solving global challenges.
