Topspin Consumer Partners, a private equity firm focused on the consumer sector that originated in Roslyn Heights as a venture capital firm, appointed tennis champion Venus Williams as its newest operating partner.
Topspin, now based in Mamaroneck, N.Y., partners with company owners to assist in growth tactics such as marketing and brand strategies and operational infrastructure.
The firm partners with companies including Japonesque, JD Beauty and MISSION, which is co-owned by Venus William’s sister Serena Williams and Dwyane Wade.
While Williams has won seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships and four Olympic gold medals, she also has launched multiple businesses, including V Starr, a commercial and residential design firm, and EleVen by Venus Williams, an activewear and lifestyle brand.
“Venus is not only one of the greatest athletes of all time, but she is also an established entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist,” Leigh Randall, managing partner of Topspin, said. “Having had the pleasure of getting to know Venus for some time through our Operating Partner, Josh Shaw, who has worked closely with Venus and her family for over a decade, all of us at Topspin have been impressed by her strong business acumen, competitive spirit, wellness expertise, and vast professional network.”
He added, “She will serve as an invaluable resource for our portfolio companies, and we look forward to working with her to identify new and exciting investment opportunities.”
In this position, Williams will work with Topspin’s portfolio companies to “broaden marketing strategies, gain brand exposure and identify innovative ways of enhancing value, as well as help source new investment opportunities,” according to a March 1 press release from Topspin.
“What resonated with me most about Topspin was the team’s deep understanding of consumer investing and genuine desire to help entrepreneurs and visionaries reach their full potential,” Williams said in the release. “I’ve learned so much about navigating the competitive consumer landscape from my own ventures, and strongly believe this is the perfect opportunity for me to leverage my expertise to add value – whether it be helping the firm’s portfolio companies improve their marketing efforts or identifying up-and-coming businesses to partner with.”
Williams graduated in 2015 from Indiana University East with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and in 2007 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with an Associate of Science in Fashion Design.
