Who Was Alexis Ohanian?

Alexis Kerry Ohanian is a dynamic American internet entrepreneur, investor, and author, widely recognized as a pivotal figure in shaping the modern digital landscape. He is most famously known as the co-founder of Reddit, a social news aggregation, content rating, and discussion website that has become a cornerstone of online community and information sharing, often dubbed "the front page of the internet." Ohanian's journey from a college student with a groundbreaking idea to a venture capitalist and influential public figure exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the 21st century.

Beyond Reddit, Ohanian has left an indelible mark on the startup ecosystem through his work as a co-founder of the early-stage venture capital firm Initialized Capital and, more recently, his new firm, 776. He has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing numerous successful tech companies, providing crucial early funding and mentorship. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to various other ventures, including co-founding the travel search website Hipmunk and launching the social enterprise Breadpig, which channels profits to charity.

Ohanian is also a passionate advocate for causes he believes in, particularly net neutrality, diversity in tech, and the empowerment of women in sports. His public profile grew significantly through his marriage to tennis superstar Serena Williams, with whom he shares two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian and Adira River Ohanian. Living in Florida, Ohanian continues to be an active voice in technology, investment, and social impact, with an estimated net worth of $150 million as of 2024, reflecting his diverse and successful career.

His influence stems not just from his financial successes but also from his commitment to fostering an open and inclusive internet, and his efforts to champion underrepresented groups in various fields. Ohanian's story is one of relentless innovation, strategic investment, and a deep-seated belief in the power of community and technology to drive positive change.

Early Life and Background

Alexis Kerry Ohanian was born on April 24, 1983, in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York City. His heritage is a rich tapestry of cultures, deeply influencing his identity and worldview. On his paternal side, Ohanian's grandparents were survivors of the Armenian genocide, fleeing the historical regions of Bitlis and Kharput. They eventually found refuge and settled in Binghamton, New York, bringing with them a profound sense of resilience and cultural pride that would later resonate with Alexis.

His father, Chris Ohanian, was born in San Francisco and worked as a travel agent, a profession that perhaps subtly introduced Alexis to the idea of global connections and diverse experiences. His mother, Anke Ohanian, hailed from Hamburg, Germany, and worked as a pharmacy technician. Through his mother, Alexis gained early exposure to the German language, speaking it as a second language during his childhood. While he identifies strongly with his Armenian heritage, he has openly stated that his proficiency in the Armenian language is limited.

Alexis is an only child, and his early years were spent in Brooklyn before his family relocated to a suburb in Maryland. Growing up, his parents made a conscious effort to ensure he maintained a connection to his Armenian roots, especially since they found themselves to be one of the few Armenian families in their new neighborhood. This led to Alexis attending an AGBU-sponsored summer camp, an experience that helped him connect with his cultural background and community.

His fascination with technology began early, specifically in middle school, when he acquired a 33.6k dial-up modem. This seemingly simple piece of equipment opened up a new world for him, sparking an obsession with the internet and its possibilities. With the encouragement of his parents, he took computer programming classes at a community college, spending countless hours on message boards, learning to code, and building websites. His parents even bought him his first computer, a 486 SX, which he famously took apart and reassembled, demonstrating an innate curiosity and hands-on approach to technology from a young age. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future as a pioneering internet entrepreneur.

Education and Formative Years

Alexis Ohanian's educational journey began in Maryland, where he attended Howard High School in Columbia. During his high school years, his burgeoning interest in technology led him to enroll in the only computer science class offered, a clear indicator of his early inclination towards the digital world. His academic prowess and leadership potential were recognized when he delivered the commencement address for his graduating class in 2001 at Merriweather Post Pavilion, a significant honor that hinted at his future public speaking and influential roles.

Following high school, Ohanian enrolled at the University of Virginia, initially with the intention of pursuing a degree in computer programming. However, upon arriving at the university, he experienced a moment of doubt and lost confidence in the major. This led him to pivot his academic focus, ultimately choosing to double major in history and business commerce, while also minoring in German. In retrospect, Ohanian has often expressed that he should have remained committed to computer science, given the trajectory of his career in technology, highlighting a common dilemma many students face when choosing their academic paths.