Alexis Kerry Ohanian is an American internet entrepreneur and investor best known as the co-founder of Reddit, the social media platform dubbed the “front page of the internet.”
With a diverse portfolio spanning tech startups, venture capital, and social activism, Ohanian has carved out a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the digital age.
Profile details
Name: Alexis Kerry Ohanian
Born: April 24, 1983
Nationality: American
Education: University of Virginia
Relationship status: Married
Career: Entrepreneur
Early Life
Alexis Ohania was born on April 24, 1983, in Brooklyn, New York. His roots are deeply tied to his family’s immigrant background.
His paternal grandparents fled the Armenian Genocide to seek refuge in the United States, while his mother, Anke, emigrated from Germany.
Raised in a Maryland suburb, Ohanian was the only child of Chris Ohanian, a travel agent and pharmacy technician, and Anke Ohanian.
Academic journey
With a zeal for knowledge, Alex attended Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, and later enrolled at the University of Virginia, where he double-majored in history and business commerce with a minor in German.
Though initially interested in computer science, Ohanian shifted gears upon entering university, a decision he later reconsidered given his technological career.
Nonetheless, his passion for tech was evident from his teenage years when he built websites for nonprofits from his parents’ basement.
Career highlights
After graduating in 2005, Ohanian teamed up with his college roommate, Steve Huffman, to pitch MyMobileMenu, a food ordering app, to Y Combinator.
Although the idea was rejected, the duo pivoted to create Reddit, an online bulletin board designed to aggregate and share content.
Joining Y Combinator’s inaugural class of startups in 2005, Reddit quickly gained traction and was acquired by Condé Nast in 2006 for an estimated $10-20 million.
Ohanian continued to serve on Reddit’s board until his full-time return in 2015. However, in 2020, amid the racial justice protests following George Floyd’s death, he resigned, urging Reddit to replace him with a Black board member.
Michael Seibel, an African-American entrepreneur, soon took his place.
Enterpreneural ventures
Ohanian’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t end with Reddit. In 2007, he founded Breadpig, an “uncorporation” selling geeky merchandise for charity.
He also played a pivotal role in launching Hipmunk, a travel search site, and served as a partner at Y Combinator.
In 2010, he co-founded Initialized Capital, which has funded notable startups like Instacart and Opendoor, managing over $500 million in assets.
In 2020, Ohanian left Initialized Capital to establish 776, a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage tech investments. His portfolio includes companies like Kinside, Dispo, and pearpop, reinforcing his influence in the startup ecosystem.
Activism
Ohanian is not just a tech mogul but also a vocal advocate for internet freedom. He played a significant role in the protests against SOPA and PIPA, earning him the title “Mayor of the Internet” from Forbes.
His activism extended to net neutrality, women’s sports with his investment in Angel City FC, and cultural representation through projects like the hijab emoji campaign.
His creative side is evident in the mascots he designed for his companies, including Reddit’s Snoo and Hipmunk’s Chip.
Personal Life
Ohanian’s personal life gained widespread attention when he married tennis legend Serena Williams in 2017.
The couple, based in Florida, shares two daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira River. Ohanian has often credited Williams’ competitive spirit as a driving force behind his business acumen.
Net Worth
Alexis Ohanian’s net worth currently stands at an impressive $150 million.
From revolutionizing online communities with Reddit to fostering the next generation of startups through venture capital, Ohanian’s legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social impact.
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