Acumen America announces new partnership with Reckitt, Serena Williams

Acumen America managing partner Catherine Casey Nanda joined Serena Williams and Sheila Redzepi, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer from Reckitt, on stage at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to announce Reckitt Catalyst—a £10M ($13.6M) global initiative to support 200 women-led health and hygiene startups around the world. The program will provide funding as well as the strategic support and mentorship entrepreneurs need to scale solutions that drive impact. Acumen America will serve as Reckitt Catalyst’s lead partner in the U.S. identifying and investing in early-stage entrepreneurs building game-changing innovations in health equity in America.

As Reckitt’s first-ever entrepreneur-in-residence, Williams and her team will support the female founders by amplifying the work at key convenings. Women-led businesses around the world can apply to be Reckitt Catalyst entrepreneurs by visiting Reckitt.com. 

We caught up with Catherine to talk about the partnership, Serena’s influence, and what it means for Acumen America.

Q: Catherine, you shared the stage with Serena Williams for the announcement of Reckitt Catalyst. What does it represent for you and for Acumen America?

Catherine Casey Nanda: This is an exciting moment for us. This long-term partnership with Reckitt and Serena Williams will expand our ability to invest in visionary entrepreneurs and the system-changing companies they are building. At Acumen America, we’ve long believed that the people closest to the challenges are best positioned to solve them. We know that lasting change requires big ideas designed to scale; this partnership gives us the opportunity to support some of the most innovative entrepreneurs working in healthy equity across America. 

Q: Many healthcare entrepreneurs are women, and they’re often overlooked and underfunded. What are the barriers they face?

Catherine Casey Nanda: The case for change is undeniable. Less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women entrepreneurs, a figure that’s declining despite women-led businesses generating 35% better returns and creating six times more jobs. This demands change—especially in the health sector—where women make up 90% of the frontline workforce. Investing in women-led health businesses merges crucial skills with insights and lived experience—and that combination is the key to lasting companies that scale.

But funding is only part of the equation. Entrepreneurs need mentorship, hands-on support, strategic guidance, and access to networks. At Acumen America, we know that combining capital with strategic support for extraordinary women and underrepresented founders creates impactful, thriving businesses that change lives. 

Q: Why this collaboration with Reckitt and Serena Williams?

Catherine Casey Nanda: What founders often lack is strategic guidance, access to networks, and the confidence that comes when someone believes in them. Reckitt is a global leader in health and hygiene, which will give entrepreneurs the industry-specific expert guidance and strategic support they need. 

Then we add Serena, whose commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs is unrivaled. Her strength, leadership, and influence will help effect real change and amplify this work.

Q: What do you hope comes out of this moment and this initiative?

Catherine Casey Nanda: My hope is that this helps expand who gets a seat at the table. At Acumen America, we know that the founders often overlooked by traditional investors are essential to unlocking a better future. This initiative is about building on that—about shifting power, resources, and networks toward the people with the insight and lived experience to drive real change.

We have the chance to improve health outcomes in America and reshape the systems that determine who gets to lead and who gets funded. We can’t wait to get to work. 

To apply for the Reckitt Catalyst, please submit a short summary and pitch deck at www.acumenamerica.org/contact. Our team will get back to you if there is a potential fit.