Introduction: From Tennis Queen to Boardroom Boss
When Maria Sharapova stepped away from professional tennis in 2020, few could have predicted just how explosive her second act would be. Known for her fierce competitiveness on the court and icy composure under pressure, Sharapova is now turning heads in boardrooms and financial circles with a billion-dollar business move that has everyone talking.
But what exactly is this stunning move? Why is Wall Street buzzing? And how did Sharapova, once a Grand Slam champion, manage to reinvent herself as one of the most influential businesswomen of her generation?
This isn’t just another celebrity endorsement or fleeting venture capital dabble. Sharapova’s decision is a calculated, disruptive leap into a high-growth sector—and it carries the kind of ambition that could define a new era of athlete-entrepreneurship.
Let’s dive into the strategy, the story, and the shocking scale of Maria Sharapova’s new billion-dollar venture.
1. What Is Maria Sharapova’s New Business Move?
Sharapova has officially partnered with a leading global private equity firm to launch a women-focused wellness investment fund, with initial capital crossing the $1 billion mark. The initiative, Athleta Ventures, targets early-to-mid-stage companies in the booming wellness, healthtech, and clean beauty sectors.
Unlike celebrity-endorsed products or passive investments, Sharapova is taking on an executive leadership role, actively involved in sourcing deals, building brand strategies, and mentoring founders—especially female entrepreneurs.
Key Features of the Venture:
- 🚀 $1B investment fund
- 👩💼 Women-centric, founder-first model
- 🌿 Focus on wellness, biotech, and sustainable beauty
- 💡 Led by Maria Sharapova in collaboration with global finance experts
2. Why Is This Move So Groundbreaking?
Maria Sharapova’s pivot is drawing attention because it merges celebrity power, business acumen, and social impact in a way that few athletes have done successfully. This isn’t about slapping her name on a product—it’s about building generational wealth and creating a lasting business legacy.
Industry Stats Supporting Her Move:
- 💰 The global wellness market is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
- 📈 Female-led startups receive only 2.3% of venture capital funding, highlighting a huge opportunity and need for Sharapova’s fund.
- 🌿 Clean beauty and healthtech markets are growing at CAGR rates of 12% and 15% respectively.
Sharapova is stepping into this landscape not just as a businesswoman, but as a force of disruption with a clear mission: Empower, elevate, and invest in the next generation of wellness visionaries.
3. What Companies Is She Targeting?
Sharapova’s new fund has already committed capital to five startups, including:
- GlowThera – a biotech startup specializing in hormone-balancing supplements for women over 40.
- BareClean – a clean beauty brand focused on non-toxic skincare with biodegradable packaging.
- CycleSync – an app that uses AI to help women manage hormonal cycles and optimize workouts.
- GreenFuel Kitchen – a plant-based meal delivery service targeting eco-conscious athletes.
- CoreHer – a women’s reproductive health startup innovating in fertility diagnostics.
These businesses were not chosen at random. Each is female-founded, science-backed, and scalable, with global appeal.
4. How Did Sharapova Prepare for This Transition?
While many may think Sharapova’s business sense is a recent development, the truth is that she’s been laying this foundation for years. She launched her own candy brand, Sugarpova, in 2012—a venture that grew into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, distributed in over 20 countries.
Sharapova also attended Harvard Business School after retiring from tennis, gaining strategic knowledge and network connections that now fuel her billion-dollar vision.
Her personal investments over the last five years included stakes in:
- Supergoop!
- Therabody
- Tonal
- Bumble
This isn’t a side hustle. It’s the culmination of over a decade of deliberate, strategic planning.
5. Why Are Industry Experts Paying Attention?
Top VCs and financial analysts are treating Sharapova’s move as more than a headline—it’s a case study in athlete-led capital strategy.
“Sharapova isn’t just playing in the arena—she’s rewriting the playbook,” says Lisa Trent, Senior Analyst at BlackRock.
Sharapova brings three critical assets to the table:
- Global Recognition: Her brand has multi-national resonance, boosting portfolio companies’ visibility.
- Cultural Capital: She’s respected not just as a celebrity, but as a disciplined, principled leader.
- Market Intuition: Her personal experience as a female athlete gives her deep insights into underserved markets.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Maria Sharapova the sole owner of the $1 billion fund?
No. Sharapova is a managing partner in collaboration with Orion Capital, a private equity firm managing over $25B in assets.
Q2: Will the fund be open to outside investors?
Yes. The fund has a structured second round to include strategic partners, with a focus on female LPs (limited partners) and impact investors.
Q3: Is she still involved with Sugarpova?
Yes, but Sharapova has appointed a CEO to run day-to-day operations while she focuses on the new venture.
Q4: Are there plans to take any of these startups public?
Two companies in the portfolio have IPO ambitions by 2027. Sharapova has hinted at long-term exit strategies through IPO or acquisition.
Q5: Is this the largest fund led by a female athlete?
Yes, it is currently the largest athlete-led female-focused investment fund in history.
7. The Strategy Behind the Billion-Dollar Move
Sharapova’s investment approach combines:
- 📊 Data-driven decision-making
- 🤝 Mentorship for founders
- 📣 Brand amplification through Sharapova’s influence
- 🌍 Global scaling strategy for portfolio companies
Her venture fund is structured with tiered investment phases:
- Seed Rounds ($1M-$5M) – supporting product-market fit.
- Series A-B ($10M-$50M) – scaling operations and global reach.
- Strategic Buyouts – identifying synergy opportunities with legacy players.
This hybrid model of venture capital and private equity is what sets Athleta Ventures apart.
8. What Does This Mean for the Future of Athlete Entrepreneurs?
Sharapova’s bold move could become a blueprint for athletes post-retirement. While others have turned to broadcasting, coaching, or endorsements, Sharapova is showing how business can be a second championship.
Expect other high-profile names to follow:
- Serena Williams already launched Serena Ventures, but with a smaller $111M fund.
- LeBron James and Kevin Durant have media investments, but not a female-focused fund of this size.
Sharapova has made it clear: this is just the beginning.
Conclusion: A Billion-Dollar Vision with Real-World Impact
Maria Sharapova’s transition from Grand Slam tennis champion to business powerhouse is more than just a headline—it’s a movement. Her new billion-dollar venture fund isn’t about padding her net worth. It’s about reshaping an industry, amplifying female voices, and investing in a healthier, more empowered future.
By aligning purpose with profit, Sharapova is proving that you don’t have to choose between impact and income—you can build both, and on a billion-dollar scale.
So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor looking for the next big thing, or simply a Sharapova fan watching in awe—this is a moment to remember.
