Reckitt Partners with Serena Williams to Launch Global Health and Hygiene Startup Initiative

Reckitt, the consumer health giant, has unveiled an ambitious new program aimed at supporting women-led health startups worldwide. The Reckitt Catalyst initiative, announced during the Cannes Lions festival in France, will provide financial backing and mentorship to up to 200 startups focused on improving access to healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Multi-Million Dollar Commitment to Drive Innovation

The program has earmarked up to £10 million ($13.5 million) over the next five years to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups. By scaling up these fledgling startups, Reckitt aims to improve health and hygiene for approximately 5 million people globally by 2030.

Reckitt Catalyst will span more than a dozen countries, with partnerships established to facilitate its implementation. In the United States, venture capital firm Acumen America will serve as the lead partner, while Yunus Social Innovation and Health Innovation Exchange will support efforts across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Tennis Icon Serena Williams Takes on Entrepreneur-in-Residence Role

In a strategic move to bolster the initiative's profile and impact, Reckitt has recruited tennis superstar Serena Williams as the inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence for the Catalyst program. Williams, who has a track record of supporting health-focused startups through her Serena Ventures fund, will offer mentorship and support to the selected founders.

"Some of the world's most pressing healthcare challenges can be solved by bold, innovative ideas—if they are given the right support to thrive and scale. This includes mentorship, funding and unwavering belief," Williams stated. Her involvement brings valuable experience from both the business and sports worlds to help guide these visionary ventures.

Building on Existing Entrepreneurial Support

The Reckitt Catalyst initiative builds upon the company's recent efforts to support entrepreneurs in the health and hygiene sector. Since 2020, Reckitt has already provided backing to around 60 entrepreneurs across 13 countries. This existing network of supported startups is already showing promising results, with founders like Nida Sheikh, CEO of Tayaba, scaling up efforts to produce clean drinking water in Pakistan.

As applications for the Reckitt Catalyst program open, the initiative stands poised to make a significant impact on global health and hygiene, leveraging the power of entrepreneurship and innovation to address critical challenges in underserved communities worldwide.