While Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam winner and tops the WTA career prize money list, most of her earnings, particularly in recent years, come from sponsorship deals, business ventures and investments.
The tennis star has a net worth of $225 million and on top of her lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, JPMorgan, Chase, and Gatorade (among others), she’s started investing in startups.
Williams recently announced her own investment business, Serena Ventures, which invests in early stage companies and young entrepreneurs that embrace diverse leadership, creativity and opportunity. So far, her venture investments have been focused on e-commerce, food, fashion and health.
Forbes reports the 60% of Williams’ investments have gone to companies led by women or people of colour.
“What better way to preach that message?” Williams asked Forbes, referring to her investment portfolio.
Forbes has given Williams the honour of gracing the cover of the June 30 special issue and according to the magazine, Serena Ventures launched a self-funded clothing line called S by Serena last May.
Williams’ $29 million total income over the past 12 months is higher than at any other point in her long career.
“I want to be in the infrastructure,” Williams told Forbes. “I want to be the brand, instead of just being the face.”
Cover star Serena Williams is the 1st athlete ever to hit Forbes’ annual list of the World’s Richest Self-Made Women, with an estimated fortune of $225 million.
Stay tuned for the full #SelfMadeWomen list launching tomorrow https://t.co/GsRAR8PZm4 pic.twitter.com/0xIm3FNbrV— Forbes (@Forbes) June 3, 2019