Serena Williams, a renowned tennis star, has selected Declan Kelly’s Consello Group to counsel her on her business undertakings. The financial advisory and investment firm, operated by the Irish businessman, made the announcement and will serve as Ms. Williams’ business ally, exploring all potential ventures in sports, retail, and philanthropy. This relationship broadens their existing connection with the 23-time Grand Slam victor, who began investing in start-ups during her impressive sports career and became even more business-focused after shifting away from the tennis court in September 2022.
In a statement shared by Consello, Ms. Williams remarked, “This extensive partnership harnesses Consello’s full range of capabilities to amplify global business and investment opportunities. We’re set to revolutionise business conduct together.”
Ms. Williams initially joined Consello last year, becoming a partner alongside American Football player Tom Brady whilst last month Gary Neville joined the group as the latest sports affiliate.
Mr. Kelly, a native of County Tipperary, was formerly the head of Teneo but resigned following drunken misconduct allegations at a 2021 party. He subsequently established Consello, where he holds the positions of chairman and CEO. He regards Ms. Williams as one of the leading figures in contemporary athletics and is eager to expand their current partnership to encompass her other business engagements.
Inside the Open Era of Women’s Tennis, Ms. Williams’ track record remains unmatched. Her accumulated career winnings came to $94.8 million (€88 million), over double the earnings of Venus Williams, the next highest-earning player who also happens to be her sister. According to estimates by Forbes in June, her wealth totalled $290 million.
In 2017, Ms. Williams unveiled the venture capital firm Serena Ventures. She revealed to her TikTok audience last month that after 14 years of investments, she had made personal portfolio investments in over 85 firms including 14 ‘unicorns’ or privately held start-ups valued over $1 billion, and that she anticipates intriguing prospects on her horizon.
Ms Williams, who has a bias for investing in start-ups helmed by women and individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, was taken aback when she initially discovered that less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to enterprises owned by women. She doubted the accuracy of the statistic, stating, “I found it unimaginable, given that we’re discussing trillions of dollars. Why would women entrepreneurs receive less than two percent? It’s incomprehensible”.