Champions Off the Field: How Women Athlete Funds and Businesses Are Making a Difference.
In the world of professional sports, we often celebrate the athleticism, dedication, and triumphs of female athletes. Their remarkable journeys from the training grounds to international arenas are a source of inspiration. But what happens when these champions decide to venture beyond their fields and courts, not as competitors but as investors and entrepreneurs? We're witnessing a fascinating shift in the landscape of women athlete funds and the businesses they're building.
Serena Williams is a name that resonates not only for her unmatched tennis skills but also for her venture into the realm of venture capitalism. She stands as a lone wolf in the venture GP space for female athletes, defying conventions and stereotypes. Through Serena Ventures, her venture capital firm, Williams has written checks to more than 50 companies since 2014. While there may be only one Serena in this particular arena, her presence is symbolic, demonstrating that women athletes can be formidable forces in the finance world.
Serena may be a standout as a general partner, but there are many female athletes working as limited partners (LPs) in venture funds or making independent angel investments. These women are not just spectators in the investment game; they are actively shaping the future of emerging companies.
Beyond investments, a growing number of female athletes are making their mark by creating innovative businesses in the sports world:
Lydia Lassila, an Australian Olympic freestyle skier, launched BodyICE Recovery, a range of meticulously designed heat and ice packs tailored to the needs of athletes.
Former professional footballer Haley Rosen founded Just Women's Sports, a thriving media outlet that amplifies the voices and stories of female athletes, bridging the gender gap in sports coverage.
Allyson Felix entered the world of entrepreneurship with Saysh, a women's lifestyle brand that caters to the unique needs of female athletes, addressing the market with her firsthand knowledge.
Despite the incredible potential and achievements of these female athletes, there remains a significant gap in the number of women athlete funds compared to their male counterparts. One primary reason is the financial aspect. Female athletes often do not earn the same astronomical salaries as their male counterparts. As a result, the capital available for investment purposes may be limited in comparison.
The world of finance and venture capitalism has been, for the most part, a male-dominated arena. However, it's essential to remember that many female athletes prefer to start their own companies rather than venture into the investment world directly. They have unique insights and experiences that drive their entrepreneurial spirit and lead them to build companies dedicated to improving the sports industry.