Venus and Serena Williams, apart from achieving heights in tennis, have also made their name in the business world. Both the tennis aces either run or are investors in several mega organizations. From where does the talent come from? The answer is their father, ‘King’ Richard. Richard, who came up with a variety of unique ways of training the duo, once hatched an interesting investment plan.
Richard Williams, the moneymaker.
In the year 1999, after establishing both Serena and Venus in the WTA tours, coach Richard decided to switch modes. Williams toned down the coach and toned up the manager. Though his absence from matches was a nuisance for the former World No.1s, he had adequate reasoning.
What did Richard say about his absence?
He said, “Every year I develop three businesses. And every business I develop, I expect to produce anywhere from $10m to $15m a year. The girls get really upset with me because I won’t go. They go, `You the coach’; I say, `No, I’m a manager, too.'”
Richard's plan to buy Rockefeller Center.
“As a matter of fact, we’re thinking about buying Rockefeller Center for $3.9bn. So I don’t have time to even think about tennis no more.” He confessed. The arena in New York City’s one of the most iconic attractions.
Venus and Serena Williams’ recent investments.
A few days back, Serena entered the food industry with the plant-based product company Just Egg. Speaking of Venus Williams, the seven times Grand Slam champion in February invested in Withco.