Tennis superstar Serena Williams backs crypto exchange Coinbase

World renowned tennis player Serena Williams has invested in cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and a number of other companies, Williams revealed in an Instagram post last week.

The investment has been made via Serena Ventures – an investment venture launched quietly by Williams back in 2014. The initiative aims to give “opportunities to founders across an array of industries.”

“Serena Ventures invests in companies that embrace diverse leadership, individual empowerment, creativity and opportunity,” she added.

According to the website, Serena Ventures has already invested in more than 30 companies, including Coinbase, Propel, Gobbel, The Wing, Olly, and others. The market cap of the portfolio is more than $12 billion.

“Serena Ventures focuses on early stage companies, and giving them the opportunity to be heard. As we grow, we hope to mentor young founders and take burgeoning entrepreneurs to the next level. Serena Ventures extends relationships, encourages collaboration among portfolio companies, and expands partnership opportunities across my vast network,” it states.

Williams has been ranked world no. 1 in the singles on eight separate occasions between 2002 and 2017 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). She holds the most Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles combined among active players.