Alexis Ohanian Biography: Alexis Kerry Ohanian born April 24, 1983) is an American internet entrepreneur and investor, widely recognized as the co-founder and former executive chairman of the social media platform Reddit, which he created alongside Steve Huffman and Aaron Swartz. In addition to Reddit, Ohanian co-founded the venture capital firm Initialized Capital, played a key role in launching the travel search site Hipmunk, and founded the social enterprise Breadpig. He also served as a partner at the startup accelerator and investment firm Y Combinator. Ohanian currently resides in Florida with his wife, retired tennis legend Serena Williams, and their two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian and Adira River Ohanian.
Alexis Ohanian Biography
Alexis Ohanian was born on April 24, 1983, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. In addition to his work as a tech entrepreneur, he is also a producer and actor, known for his involvement in projects such as The Game Changers (2018), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), and The Offseason (2024). Ohanian has been married to tennis champion Serena Williams since November 16, 2017, and together they have two children.
Alexis Ohanian Biography 2025 Details
Born | Alexis Kerry Ohanian
April 24, 1983 (age 42) New York City, U.S. |
Alma mater | University of Virginia |
Occupations | Entrepreneur
venture capitalist investor |
Notable work | Reddit
Initialized Capital 776 |
Spouse | Serena Williams
(m. 2017) |
Children | 2 |
Category | Lifestyle |
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About Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Kerry Ohanian is an American internet entrepreneur and investor. He is best known as the co-founder and former executive chairman of the social media site Reddit along with Steve Huffman and Aaron Swartz.
Alexis Ohanian Wiki
- Born: 24 April 1983 (age 42 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Spouse: Serena Williams (m. 2017)
- Children: 2
- Education: McIntire School of Commerce, Rouss and Robertson Halls (2005) ·
- Height: 96 m
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Anke Ohanian, Chris Ohanian
Early Life and Education
Alexis Ohanian was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to Chris Ohanian, an American of Armenian descent, and Anke Ohanian, a German immigrant. His paternal grandparents fled to the United States as refugees from the Armenian Genocide, while his mother brought a German influence into the household—Ohanian spoke German as a child. His father worked as both a travel agent and pharmacy technician. Alexis is an only child. During his childhood, the family relocated to a suburb in Maryland, where they were one of the few Armenian families in the area.
To help him stay connected to his roots, his parents enrolled him in an AGBU-sponsored Armenian summer camp. He attended Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, and delivered his class’s commencement address in 2001 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Initially considering a future in computer programming, Ohanian took the only computer science course available at his high school. However, he lost interest in the subject after starting college.
Alexis Ohanian Overview
- Category: Richest Business
- Net Worth: $150 Million
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1983 (Age 42)
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: American
Founding Reddit
After college, Ohanian and Steve Huffman initially pitched a startup idea called MyMobileMenu to Y Combinator. Though that idea was declined, they were encouraged to try something new—leading to the creation of Reddit in 2005. The site became one of Y Combinator’s first success stories and was sold a year later to Condé Nast.
Ohanian remained engaged with Reddit’s board and returned in 2015 to help lead the now-independent platform. In 2018, he stepped back from day-to-day operations to focus on investing. In June 2020, he resigned from Reddit’s board, urging the company to appoint a Black board member in the wake of George Floyd’s killing. Michael Seibel was later appointed to the position.
Other Business Ventures
Ohanian launched Breadpig, a socially conscious company that creates and sells geeky merchandise, donating profits to charitable causes such as Room to Read and the San Francisco SPCA. Though no longer involved in its operations, the project raised over $150,000. He also served as the marketing director for travel startup Hipmunk and launched Das Kapital Capital in 2010 to focus on startup investments and consulting. Ohanian became the “Ambassador to the East” for Y Combinator and served as a full-time partner before stepping down in 2016.
Initialized Capital
Ohanian co-founded Initialized Capital, which has invested in early-stage startups like Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise, Opendoor, and Zenefits. In 2014, CB Insights named him the top investor for network centrality. In 2019, he invested $3 million in childcare startup Kinside. As of now, Initialized Capital manages over $3 billion in assets. In late 2021, the firm raised $700 million from investors in its most recent funding round.
Cryptocurrency Investments
In a 2023 interview, Ohanian shared that he had purchased Ethereum in 2014 for around $15,000. By early 2023, this investment had grown to an estimated value of $80 million. At the cryptocurrency’s peak in late 2021, that stake could have exceeded $230 million, depending on whether he retained it.
Creative & Advocacy Projects
Ohanian collaborated with Lester Chambers of The Chambers Brothers to crowdfund an album through Kickstarter, raising over $61,000. He later raised $12,244 for Black Girls Code on Tilt.com. He authored the bestselling book Without Their Permission in 2013, which reached #4 on the Wall Street Journal list. That year, he also hosted the web series Small Empires on The Verge, exploring startup stories.
Ohanian has launched several podcasts, including NYRD Radio, Upvoted, and Business Dad. he supported the campaign to create a hijab emoji by helping teenager Rayouf Alhumedhi get attention for her idea. Apple released the emoji in July of that year.
Activism
Alexis Ohanian is a leading advocate for net neutrality and digital freedom. He actively opposed SOPA and PIPA legislation, organized national protests, and helped launch the Internet 2012 Bus Tour to promote internet openness during the election season.
He was named the most influential activist of 2012 by The Daily Dot and was dubbed “Mayor of the Internet” by Forbes. Ohanian also used crowdfunding site Tilt.com to raise awareness and fund a billboard supporting net neutrality outside the FCC’s office. He is also a champion of paid paternity leave, driven by his own experience as the primary caregiver when Serena Williams had complications during childbirth. In 2019, he pushed for federal legislation on paid family leave.
Personal Life
Ohanian began dating Serena Williams in 2015, and the couple got engaged in December 2016. They married in November 2017 and welcomed their daughter, Alexis Olympia, in September of that year. In early 2023, it was confirmed that they were expecting their second child. The family lives in Florida. Ohanian also owns a condo in Brooklyn, which he bought in 2011 for $1.245 million. He listed it for sale in 2022 at $2.3 million.
What Is Alexis Ohanian’s Net Worth 2025?
Alexis Ohanian is a prominent American tech entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $150 million. He is best recognized as the co-founder of Reddit, which he launched alongside Steve Huffman in 2005. The platform was acquired by Condé Nast in 2006 for a reported $10–$20 million. Although Reddit went public in February 2024, Ohanian was not listed as a major shareholder in the SEC filings, indicating he no longer holds a significant stake (over 5%). Interestingly, his name was entirely absent from the filing, while Steve Huffman retained a 3% share and Sam Altman was noted to own 8.7%.
FAQs
What films or documentaries has Alexis Ohanian appeared in?
Alexis Ohanian has appeared in several film and TV projects, including The Game Changers (2018), Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), and The Offseason (2024).
When did Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams get married?
Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams were married on November 16, 2017, in a high-profile ceremony attended by celebrities and family.
How many children does Alexis Ohanian have?
Alexis Ohanian has two children with his wife Serena Williams: Alexis Olympia Ohanian and Adira River Ohanian.
Is Alexis Ohanian involved in the film industry?
Yes, besides his entrepreneurial ventures, Alexis Ohanian has worked as a producer and actor, contributing to projects in both documentary and entertainment genres.
What is Alexis Ohanian’s connection to The Game Changers?
Alexis Ohanian was a producer on The Game Changers (2018), a documentary that explores the impact of plant-based diets on athletic performance.
Has Alexis Ohanian acted in any movies?
Yes, Alexis Ohanian had a role in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015), showcasing a lighter, entertainment-focused side of his public persona.