Serena Williams Leads Push To Expand Health Care Access at SXSW

Nanda explained that women are often underrepresented despite being a significant part of the system. “By joining forces with Reckitt and Serena Williams, we are providing the strategic guidance and capital necessary to turn these bold ideas into lasting, system-changing companies that can improve health equity across America,” she added.

Catalyst aims to support around 200 entrepreneurs globally and reach nearly five million people by 2030. More than 100 million Americans still struggle to access primary care, and Williams has stepped in to help founders raise funds.

Serena Williams Recalled a Personal Anecdote on Stage

“It’s been a privilege to help select this first group and mentor these founders,” the former world no.1 said.

She pointed out that many ideas come straight from real challenges in their communities. That authenticity, she said, is what really drives innovation, which is why she was excited to support them at SXSW.

Speaking at Axios House during SXSW, she recalled advice from a mentor who told her why she needed to become a better storyteller.

“They had probably some of the best products I’ve seen, but they never were able to raise money, because they weren’t able to kind of get that idea across to other people to believe in them, because they just were just dry, for lack of a better word,” revealed Williams.

That piece of advice helped the tennis icon in her own journey. Now, the Serena Ventures founder wants to help others find the same success.