Serena Williams Wants to Invest in Female-Run Startups and She is Not Alone
Today writer Keyaira Boone published an article with Essence Magazine highlighting Tennis Superstar Serena Williams desire to invest in female-run startups. The real story is that Serena Williams is part of a growing trend.
“I invest mostly in women, because I found out that women get less than 2 percent of funds raised by venture capitalists,” Williams told Adweek. “If I can…introduce these women with great companies to other people, I feel like, wow, we can make a little bit more noise.”
The Business Journal
More and more lady leaders are looking for high impact ways to support other women in business. That is why many are seeking out partnerships with organizations like Behind The Leaf who host the Flourish Media Conference, Where Women Do Business. This two-day event ends with a Shark Tank-like pitch segment where women business owners pitch for up to $15 million in business funding.
In the dead of winter, women business owners have been gathering in sunny Miami, Florida for the past 3 years; quietly sharing business tips, helping one another brand professionally, and introducing each other to willing investors.
Conversahaken.com
“I come back year after year. My business is growing because of the connections I find here. I used my investment to increase production and now my brand is in local retail stores.” - Conference Attendee.
According to the article, Serena Williams has invested in more than 30 different companies so far, adding that the rate of investment in women of color’s companies is significantly smaller than even that 2 percent. To date 80% of women business owners who pitch at Flourish Media Conference see some form of support from its partners. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
“I’m glad we created this space for women. I get a chance to get to know their stories and help with something I know they would not easily have access to otherwise.” - Angel Investor & Retired Pharmacy Executive
In 2019, roughly 200 women business owners gathered in Miami, Florida to share business tips from industry experts, exchange strategies around branding, and gain insider knowledge about best practices for business funding.
Past speakers included: Cassandra Arnold President of the Haitian American Caucus, Jasmine Brown Comedian & Actress, Vanessa James Radio Personality & Spokesperson, Taila Oliver of The Shade Room, Shelah Marie Social Media Influencer, Candy Calderon Wellness Influencer, Maxeme Tuchman CEO of Caribu, and many more.
Flourish Media Conference will take place Friday & Saturday February 21-22, 2020 in Miami, FL. Tickets are on sale now.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved as an angel investor, event sponsor, or media partner contact: linkup@flourishmediaconference.com.
