How Stars Leverage Themselves as Investors: Serena Williams, Eva Longoria and Kevin Yorn on Venture Capital, Vision and Dealmaking

Serena Williams discussed her venture capital ambitions at the Milken Institute conference, emphasizing Starfire’s role in investing in underrepresented founders, particularly women, and her goal to disrupt traditional VC funding circles. Eva Longoria and Kevin Yorn also shared insights on leveraging personal brands and celebrity influence to drive high-stakes investments in entertainment and tech sectors during the event." "article": "Serena Williams spoke at the Milken Institute conference about her growing venture capital career, calling it the most significant part of her professional life. Through her Starfire banner, Williams has transitioned from angel investing to launching a dedicated fund, focusing on nurturing founders and companies led by underrepresented groups. She highlighted the need for change in venture capital, where less than 2% of funding goes to female entrepreneurs, and stressed the importance of diversifying investment portfolios to foster innovation in technology and AI-driven industries. Williams shared her disciplined approach to investing, spending three years studying founders, companies, and the VC ecosystem before launching her first fund. She framed her strategy like an athlete in training, emphasizing the value of building relationships and understanding the process. Her goal is to invest in companies that will shape how people live, particularly in AI, comparing its potential impact to the industrial revolution. At the same conference, Eva Longoria discussed how she leverages her personal brand and Hyphenate Media Group to make high-stakes investments in entertainment and beyond. Her session with longtime lawyer and investor Kevin Yorn explored the intersection of celebrity influence and business acumen, particularly in creative industries. Longoria’s approach reflects a broader trend among Hollywood figures using their platforms to drive financial and creative ventures. Warren Littlefield and Elisabeth Moss also participated in discussions about their producing partnership, which has already yielded two successful TV series on Hulu: *The Handmaid’s Tale* and its prequel *The Testaments*. Their collaboration demonstrates how creative talent and industry experience can merge to produce high-impact content. The Milken Institute conference highlighted how celebrities and industry leaders are reshaping investment landscapes, blending entertainment expertise with strategic financial decisions.