Reckitt Catalyst and Serena Williams Headline SXSW with U.S. Entrepreneurs Expanding Access to Healthcare

A new generation of community-based entrepreneurs is shaping the future of health and hygiene via Reckitt Catalyst

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Reckitt, the company behind some of the world's most trusted health and hygiene brands, is bringing two newly named U.S. entrepreneurs from its Reckitt Catalyst program to the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) stage. They will appear alongside entrepreneur-in-residence Serena Williams for a featured session on how community-based innovators are addressing persistent health challenges in the U.S. The Catalyst program supports and scales health and hygiene ventures founded by women and underrepresented entrepreneurs to improve access to essential healthcare services.

Why it matters

In the U.S., roughly 1 in 3 people have limited or no access to essential health services such as hospitals, pharmacies and primary care providers. Reckitt Catalyst aims to address this challenge by supporting community-based entrepreneurs who are best positioned to solve America's greatest health equity issues.

The details

Reckitt Catalyst is a global social impact investment program that supports and scales health and hygiene ventures founded by women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Through 2030, the program will support up to 200 entrepreneurs globally, aiming to impact up to five million people. In the U.S., the Catalyst program has launched with an open call to entrepreneurs, and up to 29 ventures will be named with the goal of improving access to healthcare and relieving pressure on the overburdened health system.

  • Reckitt Catalyst launched with an open call to entrepreneurs last year, which is ongoing.
  • The SXSW® session featuring Reckitt Catalyst and Serena Williams will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

The players

Reckitt

The company behind some of the world's most trusted health and hygiene brands, including Dettol, Durex, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish and Veet.

Reckitt Catalyst

A global social impact investment program that supports and scales health and hygiene ventures founded by women and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Serena Williams

An entrepreneur-in-residence at Reckitt Catalyst and a leading entrepreneur, investor and producer, shaping business, media and culture worldwide as one of the most recognizable figures of our time.

Acumen America

The leading venture capital firm investing in mission-driven entrepreneurs looking to fix the root causes of America's poverty crisis.

Catherine Casey Nanda

The co-founder and managing partner at Acumen America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Here in the U.S., roughly 1 in 3 people1 have limited or no access to essential health services such as hospitals, pharmacies and primary care providers. That's the environment these founders are working in every day. As a company with global reach, our job is to use our platform to support our founders in scaling practical solutions in their communities. They're the ones quietly building the solutions their communities need.”

— Ryan Dullea, Chief Category Growth Officer at Reckitt (Reckitt)

“This partnership is about shifting power and resources toward the people best positioned to solve America's greatest health challenges. Women and underrepresented founders are often the backbone of the healthcare workforce but remain significantly underfunded. By joining forces with Reckitt and Serena Williams, we are providing the strategic guidance and capital necessary to turn these bold ideas into lasting, system-changing companies that can improve health equity across America.”

— Catherine Casey Nanda, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Acumen America (Reckitt)

“It's been a privilege to be part of choosing this first cohort and mentoring these founders has already been one of the most inspiring parts of my work with Reckitt Catalyst. Their ideas come directly from the challenges they see around them, and that authenticity is what drives real innovation. I'm excited to join them at SXSW® and help open more doors for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs who deserve the chance to scale their ventures and make a meaningful impact.”

— Serena Williams, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Reckitt Catalyst (Reckitt)

What’s next

The Reckitt Catalyst program will continue to support up to 200 entrepreneurs globally through 2030, with the goal of improving access to healthcare and relieving pressure on the overburdened health system in the U.S.

The takeaway

Reckitt Catalyst's partnership with Serena Williams and Acumen America demonstrates a commitment to empowering community-based entrepreneurs, particularly women and underrepresented founders, to develop innovative solutions that can improve healthcare access and equity in the United States.