Serena Williams recently joined Austin-based startup Bumble Fund to set her sights on investing in female founders of color. In addition to investing, Williams will also serve as a global adviser to Bumble according to a recent press release.
“I’ve learned how impactful one woman’s voice can be when given a platform to speak and be heard. I am passionate about building on this progress and opening doors for women of all backgrounds, especially women of color, to share their message and trust in their potential to accomplish great things,” Williams said in a statement. “By joining forces with the Bumble Fund, we will continue amplifying female entrepreneurs and creating a place for them to personally and professionally champion their growth.”
The fund was launched by Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble, to invest in early-stage ventures focused primarily on businesses founded and led by women of color and those from underrepresented groups. The company is committed to ending bias in venture capital and Williams has joined the ranks.
“Partnering with Serena Williams has been a dream of mine since we launched Bumble as she is one of the most inspiring women in history and a shining example of someone making the first move in all facets of her life,” Wolfe Herd said in a statement. “She is the epitome of strength, integrity, kindness, empowerment, and everything Bumble stands for.”
The company is adamant that they can’t fund every business but, they believe everyone’s idea deserves support to grow, evolve, and thrive. In an effort to provide value across the board, Bumble Fund has invested in and partnered with, Alice, an AI-powered platform for founders, to provide entrepreneurs with a community, access to experts, how-to guides, and more.
Additionally, Bumble Bizz, a category on the app, will supply more information regarding pitch opportunities but in the meantime, if you meet the criteria, you can submit your information to Alice, here.
Williams can currently be seen in a Bumble commercial showcasing the app’s many features encouraging women to make the first move in work, love, and life.