Investor, Tennis Legend Serena Williams to Speak at Cincinnati's Black Tech Week

Serena Williams Photo: Vinod Divakaran, Wikimedia Commons

Tennis legend Serena Williams is coming to Cincinnati – but not to serve aces.

Williams will be the keynote speaker during Black Tech Week, which brings together Black technology professionals, investors and enthusiasts in Cincinnati. The conference is slated for July 18-22, with Williams scheduled to deliver her address on July 21. Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval and Lightship Foundation CEO Candice Matthews Brackeen also are scheduled to appear with Williams, according to the speaker lineup on the Black Tech Week website.

Excited to be at @BlackTechWeek with @lightshipfound this year as they empower Black founders everywhere.

Signup at https://t.co/M2vWmav9Bc #BTW22. pic.twitter.com/lhAdj2Jgh7
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 1, 2022

Known for decades as one of tennis’s most decorated champions, Williams has held many business deals and companies over the years, including product endorsements, fashion lines and roles in entertainment. In March, the New York Times reported that Serena Ventures, Williams’ venture capital firm, had raised $111 million. The fund invests in businesses and ideas that largely are led by women and people from underrepresented communities.

Williams has won a number of major championships since making her professional tennis career in 1995, both in single and doubles matches (frequently with her similarly legendary sister Venus). She has multiple Olympic gold medals, individual and collective Grand Slam tournament titles and is the first player to nab a career Grand Slam in both singles and doubles. Williams widely is considered one of the greatest tennis players and female athletes of all time.

Beyond Williams’ address, the Black Tech Week schedule includes discussions and workshops about funding rounds, building apps, selecting board members, scaling growth and other topics related to entrepreneurship. The event will take place at venues throughout Cincinnati, including Music Hall, Memorial Hall and the coworking space Union Hall.

Black Tech Week coincides with the Cincinnati Music Festival.

Below, the U.S. Open recounts Williams’ 40 best moments throughout her professional tennis career.