Transitioning from sports stardom to investment success is no easy feat, yet several tennis legends have mastered the art. Big names such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Steffi Graf and Maria Sharapova are redefining what it means to leverage athletic fame for entrepreneurial ventures, each bringing their unique approach to the business world.

Federer’s Launch Into Business

Roger Federer, known for his unparalleled grace on the court, matched his athletic prowess with astute business decisions.

His notable investment in the Swiss brand On highlighted his commitment to new products. Federer’s involvement helped propel On to a public valuation of $6.5 billion, with his stake estimated at a substantial $180 million.

Furthermore, his venture into NotCo, a food tech company now valued at $1.5 billion, shows Federer’s knack for identifying promising startups in various fields.

Serena’s Strategic Moves

Serena Williams, a dominant force in tennis, carved out a powerful presence in the venture capital landscape with Serena Ventures. Her firm, which champions diversity, backed more than 60 companies, many led by women and minorities.

With investments in giants such as Impossible Foods and MasterClass, Williams promotes inclusivity in venture capital and shapes future market leaders.

Venus’s Varied Investments

Venus Williams‘s portfolio is illustrious and as varied as her tennis career. Her early involvement with the Miami Dolphins, alongside her sister Serena, marked a historic move, making them the first Black women to invest in an NFL franchise.

Venus’s stake in the revolutionary TMRW Golf League, founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, further exemplified her penchant for backing massive sports ventures.

Graf’s Investment Instincts

Along with her husband, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf has shown a sharp eye for technology and entertainment ventures, with stakes in Unscriptd in 2016 and Viagogo in 2009. Graf’s ability to discern the potential in tech platforms catering to athletes illustrates her understanding of the evolving digital world in sports.

Sharapova’s Business Brain

Maria Sharapova, post-retirement, immersed herself in various business and investment endeavors, founding the premium candy brand Sugarpova and investing in wellness and beauty brands such as Bala Bangles and Therabody. Her role on the board of Moncler shows her influence in the luxury market, proving her mettle beyond the tennis court.

These tennis icons are not only champions in their sport but also with their investments, each contributing to their interests with the same enthusiasm and strategy they brought to the game.

Join us at Benzinga’s 2024 NFL Draft event in Detroit on April 25 to see how athletes turn their sports success into business ventures. This one-day event at Campus Martius offers insights from sports legends like Donovan Edwards and Frankie LaPenna on leaping over the field to the boardroom.

Secure your ticket now for an inspiring experience at the intersection of sports and business. Don’t miss out — tickets are selling quickly!

Photo Courtesy: Leonard Zhukovsky On Shutterstock.com