The Journey of Alexis Kerry Ohanian: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Family
The Journey of Alexis Kerry Ohanian:
Alexis Kerry Ohanian, born on April 24, 1983, is an American
internet entrepreneur and investor, widely recognized for his role as the
co-founder and former executive chairman of the social media platform Reddit,
alongside Steve Huffman and Aaron Swartz. In addition to Reddit, Ohanian has
been involved in various ventures, including co-founding the early-stage
venture capital firm Initialized Capital, contributing to the launch of the
travel search website Hipmunk, and founding the social enterprise Breadpig. He
has also served as a partner at Y Combinator, a renowned startup accelerator. Residing
in Florida, Ohanian shares his life with his wife, former tennis champion
Serena Williams, and their two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian and Adira
River Ohanian. Their family life reflects Ohanian's commitment to both personal
and professional success. As of 2019, Forbes estimated Ohanian's net worth at
an impressive $70 million, reflecting his achievements and contributions in the
world of entrepreneurship and investment.
Origins and Early Life of Alexis Kerry Ohanian
Alexis Kerry Ohanian, hailing from Brooklyn, New York City,
embodies a rich heritage shaped by his family's journey. His paternal
grandparents sought refuge in the United States following the Armenian Genocide,
a testament to resilience and survival. Adding to the tapestry of his
background, Ohanian's mother immigrated from Germany, contributing to his
diverse cultural roots.
During his formative years, Ohanian attended Howard High
School in Ellicott City, Maryland. His academic journey culminated with a
significant milestone as he delivered the student address for his graduating
class in 2001, marking the beginning of his journey towards entrepreneurship
and innovation.
The Evolution of Alexis Kerry Ohanian: From Basement Coder
to Tech Visionary
Alexis Kerry Ohanian's journey into the world of technology
commenced during his middle school years when he acquired a 33.6k dial-up
modem, sparking an enduring fascination. Spending hours on message boards, he
delved into coding and web development, eventually offering his skills to
nonprofit organizations pro bono, all while concealing his teenage identity
from his parents' basement. Upon graduating from the University of Virginia in
2005 with degrees in commerce and history, Ohanian, alongside his friend Steve
Huffman, embarked on a venture that would change the internet landscape. Though
their initial idea, MyMobileMenu, was rejected by Y Combinator, it paved the
way for the birth of Reddit.com, envisioned as the "front page of the
Internet."
Reddit swiftly gained traction, joining Y Combinator's
inaugural batch of start-ups in 2005 and later being acquired by Condé Nast in
2006. Ohanian continued to be involved with Reddit, serving on its board of
directors and eventually returning full-time in 2015 to lead the company
independently. He stepped back from Reddit in 2018 to refocus on investing. Parallel
to his Reddit journey, Ohanian ventured into various endeavors, launching
Breadpig in 2007, a philanthropic "uncorporation" producing geeky
merchandise. He also engaged in microfinance as a Kiva fellow in Armenia,
co-founded the travel search website Hipmunk, and established Das Kapital Capital
for startup investments.
Ohanian's influence extended beyond entrepreneurship,
earning titles such as "Ambassador to the East" at Y Combinator and
part-time partner before co-founding Initialized Capital. He advocated for
remote business and championed diversity, notably resigning from Reddit's board
in 2020 to make way for a black candidate in response to social injustice. In a
significant move in July 2020, Ohanian led an investment group in securing a
new franchise in the National Women's Soccer League, embodying his commitment
to equality and empowerment. This endeavor, alongside his continued
entrepreneurial pursuits, solidifies Ohanian's legacy as a tech pioneer and
advocate for positive change.
The Journey of Alexis Kerry Ohanian: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Family
Initialized Capital: Ohanian's Venture into Startup
Investing
In 2010, Alexis Kerry Ohanian co-founded Initialized
Capital, a venture capital firm that has made significant seed investments in
promising startups, including Instacart, Zenefits, Opendoor, and Cruise. With
three funds totaling over $500 million under management, Initialized Capital
has become a prominent player in the startup ecosystem. Ohanian's strategic
investments have solidified his position as a top investor, with CB Insights
ranking him number one for network centrality in 2014, reflecting the depth and
breadth of his connections within the tech industry.
Ohanian's investment portfolio reflects his commitment to
supporting innovative ideas and entrepreneurs. In 2019, Initialized Capital
invested $3 million in childcare startup Kinside, showcasing Ohanian's interest
in ventures that address pressing societal needs. He also contributed $4
million to Dispo (David's Disposable) in 2020, further diversifying his
investment portfolio.
Open Internet Activism: Championing Digital Rights
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ohanian has been a
vocal advocate for an open and free internet. In 2010 and 2011, he played a
pivotal role in rallying against Congress's Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and
the PROTECT IP Act, contributing to the successful overturning of both bills.
Ohanian's leadership in organizing national protests and lobbying efforts
earned him recognition as one of the most influential activists of 2012 by The
Daily Dot and earned him the moniker "Mayor of the Internet" by
Forbes Magazine.
In October 2012, Ohanian embarked on the Internet 2012 Bus
Tour alongside Reddit General Manager Erik Martin to campaign for internet
freedom during the presidential and vice-presidential debates. Their efforts,
including advocating for net neutrality, culminated in a day-long phone-a-thon
with the FCC and Congress in January 2015. Ohanian's relentless advocacy for digital
rights underscores his commitment to preserving an open and accessible internet
for all.
Ohanian and Williams: A Love Story Redefining Success and
Advocating for Family Rights
On December 29, 2016, Alexis Kerry Ohanian became engaged to
the renowned Olympian tennis player Serena Williams. Their union was celebrated
with the birth of their daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, on September 1, 2017,
in West Palm Beach, Florida. The couple exchanged vows on November 16, 2017, in
a glamorous ceremony in New Orleans, attended by an illustrious guest list
including Beyoncé, Anna Wintour, Kelly Rowland, and Kim Kardashian.
The arrival of their daughter marked a profound shift for
Ohanian, who found inspiration in watching Williams compete, altering his perception
of success in business. As parents, Ohanian and Williams introduced their
daughter to the world with the creation of Qai Qai, a beloved doll that gained fame
on social media platforms.
In May 2023, the couple joyfully announced Williams'
pregnancy with their second child, a revelation made before the Met Gala, where
she proudly displayed her pregnancy. Their second daughter, Adira River, was
welcomed into the world in August 2023.
The transformative experience of fatherhood prompted Ohanian
to advocate for paternity leave, emphasizing its importance in supporting
families during significant life events. In an article for the New York Times,
he shared his personal journey of caring for his family after his wife's
challenging childbirth experience, highlighting the necessity of paid family
leave legislation. Ohanian further pledged to champion this cause, intending to
bring the issue to lawmakers on Capitol Hill in a bid to pass federal paid
family leave legislation, emphasizing bipartisan support for this crucial
initiative.
Ohanian's Impact Beyond Tech: Advocating for Climate Action
and Recognized Achievements
In a shift towards environmental activism, Alexis Kerry
Ohanian has been supporting climate-related projects initiated by young
innovators since 2022. Modeled after the Thiel Fellowship, this grant program
targets individuals aged 23 or younger, offering them financial backing
totaling $100,000 over two years. The fellowship encourages recipients to drop
out of school and dedicate themselves to combating climate change through
various avenues, including scientific research, entrepreneurship, or social activism.
Each year, 20 fellows are selected through a competitive process, receiving
guidance and resources to pursue their endeavors.
Throughout his career, Ohanian has garnered recognition for
his contributions to the technology industry and innovation. He was listed on
the Forbes "30 Under 30" list in both 2011 and 2012 and was
celebrated as a "champion of innovation" in Wired's 20th Anniversary
issue in 2013. In 2015, Crain's included him in their "40 Under 40"
list for business, and in 2016, Fast Company recognized him as one of the
"Most Creative People in Business."
In a notable moment, Ohanian delivered the Commencement
address for The Johns Hopkins University Class of 2020 on May 21, 2020, sharing
his insights and inspiring the graduating class. Additionally, in December
2022, Money magazine honored Ohanian as a 2023 Money Changemaker, recognizing
his impactful contributions to the realm of finance and societal change.
