38 Facts About Alexis Ohanian

Co-founder of Reddit

Alexis Ohanian is widely recognized as the co-founder of Reddit, one of the most popular social news aggregation and discussion platforms on the internet. Reddit has millions of users and features a wide variety of content across different topics.

Advocate for Internet Freedom

As a prominent figure in the tech industry, Ohanian has been a vocal advocate for net neutrality and the protection of internet freedom. He has been actively involved in campaigns and initiatives that aim to preserve an open and equal internet for all.

Married to Serena Williams

Ohanian gained significant media attention when he got married to tennis superstar Serena Williams in Their wedding was a star-studded affair and made headlines worldwide.

Founded Initialized Capital

After leaving Reddit, Ohanian co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. The firm has backed numerous successful companies, contributing to Ohanian’s reputation as a savvy investor.

Philanthropist

Ohanian is known for his philanthropic efforts, focusing on initiatives that promote education and technology. He has donated to various causes, including coding education programs and scholarships for underprivileged students.

Created “The Eight-Bit Tie”

Alexis Ohanian is the creative mind behind “The Eight-Bit Tie,” a unique accessory that pays homage to retro gaming. The tie features a pixelated design reminiscent of old video game graphics.

Published Author

Ohanian is also an accomplished writer, having published a book titled “Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed.” In the book, he shares his insights and experiences on entrepreneurship and the power of the internet.

Founded Breadpig

Before co-founding Reddit, Ohanian started Breadpig, a company that aimed to help webcomic creators monetize their work. The company gained popularity and facilitated the success of several webcomic artists.

Champion of Diversity

Ohanian has been actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. He has advocated for increased representation of marginalized groups and has taken steps to support and invest in startups founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Corporate Speaker

With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the tech industry, Ohanian is a sought-after corporate speaker. He has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panel discussions at various conferences and events.

Graduated from the University of Virginia

Ohanian studied at the University of Virginia, where he graduated with degrees in commerce and history. His time at the university played a crucial role in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset.

Co-founded Hipmunk

Ohanian co-founded Hipmunk, a popular online travel company that provides users with simplified flight and hotel search options. The platform gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and unique features.

Mentors Startups

Ohanian is passionate about supporting and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He has mentored numerous startups, providing guidance and advice based on his own experiences in the tech industry.

Board Member of numerous organizations

Ohanian serves on the boards of several organizations, including the advisory board of the Y Combinator, which is a renowned startup accelerator program. His expertise is highly valued in the business world.

Created the term “Snoo”

Alexis Ohanian is responsible for coining the term “Snoo,” the name of Reddit’s alien mascot. The cute, thought-provoking mascot has become widely recognized and synonymous with the Reddit brand.

Advocate for Paid Family Leave

Ohanian has been a strong advocate for paid family leave, especially for new fathers. He has openly shared his own experiences as a father and championed policies that support work-life balance.

Hosted a Podcast

Ohanian has hosted his own podcast called “Business Schooled,” where he explores the journeys and lessons of successful entrepreneurs. The podcast aims to inspire and educate listeners about the realities of building a business.

Created the “Reddit Secret Santa”

One of Ohanian’s notable initiatives is the “Reddit Secret Santa” gift exchange, which has become a huge annual event on Reddit. Participants from around the world send thoughtful gifts to their assigned Secret Santa partners.

Featured on Forbes’ “30 Under 30”

Due to his remarkable achievements and impact in the tech industry, Ohanian was named on Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list, recognizing young visionaries and disruptors.

Investor in NFTs

Ohanian has shown interest in the world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and has made investments in NFT startups and projects. His involvement reflects his forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation.

Co-founded Initialized Capital with Garry Tan

Ohanian partnered with Garry Tan to establish Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments. The firm has supported notable companies such as Instacart and Coinbase.

Named “Tech Ambassador to Armenia”

Ohanian has been recognized as a Tech Ambassador to Armenia, his ancestral homeland. He actively promotes Armenian startups and works towards strengthening the country’s tech ecosystem.

Active on Social Media

Ohanian is active on social media platforms, where he shares his thoughts, experiences, and initiatives. He engages with his followers and uses his platforms to raise awareness on various important issues.

Launched the “Hunger-Not Impossible” Initiative

Passionate about fighting hunger, Ohanian collaborated with other innovators to launch the “Hunger-Not Impossible” initiative. It utilizes technology to deliver food to those in need with the help of a simple SMS system.

Early Investor in Coinbase

Ohanian recognized the potential of cryptocurrency early on by becoming an investor in Coinbase, one of the world’s leading digital currency exchange platforms. His investment has proven to be highly successful.

Supported Women in Tech

Ohanian has been a staunch supporter of increased representation and opportunities for women in the tech industry. He has actively invested in female-led startups and championed initiatives geared towards gender equality.

Parenting advocate

As a father, Ohanian is a strong advocate for active and involved parenting. He encourages fathers to take an active role in childcare and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for families.

Regularly appears on TV

Ohanian is a familiar face on television, often appearing as a guest on various shows. He shares his insights on business, technology, and current affairs, making him an influential voice in the media.

Founded Black Futures Lab

Committed to addressing social and political issues, Ohanian co-founded the Black Futures Lab. The organization aims to empower Black communities through advocacy, education, and civic engagement.

Supporter of Mental Health Awareness

Ohanian has been open about his own struggles with mental health and actively supports initiatives that raise awareness and provide resources for those facing similar challenges. He encourages open conversations to remove the stigma around mental health.

Invested in Clean Energy Startups

Recognizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions, Ohanian has invested in clean energy startups. His contributions aim to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more environmentally friendly sources of energy.

Supporter of LGBTQ+ Rights

Ohanian is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and actively supports LGBTQ+ rights. He has donated to organizations that advocate for equality and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Advisor to numerous startups

Ohanian shares his expertise and insights as an advisor to several startups. He offers guidance on various aspects of entrepreneurship, helping young companies navigate the challenges of building successful businesses.

Hosted “Small Empires” web series

Ohanian hosted the web series “Small Empires,” where he explored the stories of different startups and their founders. The series shed light on the entrepreneurial journey and highlighted the triumphs and struggles of these companies.

Founder of 776

Alexis Ohanian founded 776, a platform that provides resources and support for athletes. The initiative aims to empower athletes to take control of their own destinies and build sustainable careers beyond their competitive years.

Supporter of STEM Education

Ohanian recognizes the importance of STEM education and has supported initiatives that promote learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He believes in the power of education to transform lives and pave the way for technological advancements.

Collaborated with Serena Williams on Ventures

Ohanian and Serena Williams have joined forces on various business ventures, leveraging their individual expertise to create successful projects. Their collaborations extend beyond their personal partnership and demonstrate their shared entrepreneurial spirit.

Champion of Entrepreneurship

Alexis Ohanian is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and the power of innovative ideas. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, take risks, and make a positive impact on society through their ventures.

Conclusion

Alexis Ohanian is a fascinating individual who has made significant contributions to the world of technology and entrepreneurship. From co-founding Reddit, one of the most popular websites in the world, to being an advocate for policies that support internet freedom and open access, Ohanian has proven himself as an influential figure in the tech industry.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Ohanian is also a committed philanthropist and devoted husband and father. Through his initiatives such as Initialized Capital and the Black Futures Lab, he is actively working towards empowering marginalized communities and promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech sector.

With his passion for innovation, dedication to social justice, and charismatic personality, Alexis Ohanian continues to inspire and leave a lasting impact on both the business world and society as a whole.

FAQs

1. When was Alexis Ohanian born?

Alexis Ohanian was born on April 24, 1983.

2. What is Alexis Ohanian known for?

Alexis Ohanian is best known as the co-founder of Reddit, a popular online platform for discussion and sharing content.

3. Is Alexis Ohanian still involved with Reddit?

No, Ohanian resigned from the board of directors at Reddit in June 2020.

4. What other companies has Ohanian been involved with?

Apart from Reddit, Ohanian has invested in and co-founded several companies, including Initialized Capital, Breadpig, and Hipmunk.

5. What is Ohanian’s stance on internet freedom?

Alexis Ohanian is a vocal supporter of internet freedom and has been an advocate for net neutrality, open internet access, and protecting free speech online.

6. Is Ohanian involved in philanthropy?

Yes, Ohanian is actively engaged in philanthropy. He has launched initiatives such as the Black Futures Lab and has made substantial donations to support causes related to education, diversity, and social justice.

7. Is Alexis Ohanian married?

Yes, Alexis Ohanian is married to tennis superstar Serena Williams. They tied the knot in 2017 and have a daughter named Olympia.

8. What is Ohanian’s role as a father?

Ohanian is known for being an involved and supportive father. He often shares glimpses of his parenting journey and advocates for policies that promote family-friendly workplaces.