If you're looking for an inspirational investor who continues to pursue projects that he not only truly believes in but that also make a difference in the world, you'll want to know more about Alexis Ohanian.
Who is Alexis Ohanian?
Who is Alexis Ohanian?
Although venture capitalists come from a wide range of backgrounds, Ohanian may have one of the more interesting stories among this colorful group. As the grandson of Armenian refugees and with a mother who immigrated from Germany, Ohanian initially intended to become an immigration lawyer.
While taking his law school admissions test, however, Ohanian decided to pursue another interest: tech start-ups. Along with Aaron Swartz and Ohanian's roommate, Steve Huffman, Ohanian founded Reddit after the team was accepted into the start-up accelerator Y Combinator.
Reddit was sold to Conde Nast in 2006 for $10 million, just a year after he graduated from college. Today, you'll still find Ohanian investing in start-ups but far more often acting as a venture capitalist through his fund Seven Seven Six. He has also acted as an angel investor and advisor to a number of small businesses trying to get their feet under them.
His personal website sums up his personal investing philosophy well: "I want to be known for making this world better -- much better."
Alexis Ohanian's personal stats
- Age: 40 years (born April 24, 1983)
- Source of wealth: Sale of Reddit.com
- Marital status: Married to tennis legend Serena Williams
- Residence: Miami, Florida
- Education: University of Virginia
Alexis Ohanian's investment approach
Alexis Ohanian's investment approach
Ohanian is primarily a venture capitalist who invests in tech start-ups. He's very passionate about elevating marginalized communities and individuals by helping to fund their tech projects and fighting for other rights, such as paid family leave for fathers.
He also believes in getting in on start-ups as quickly as possible and on the lowest floor he can -- and is often investing in seed rounds for companies that may or may not make it over the long term. A few companies for which he's contributed to seed rounds include Altan Insights in May 2022 and Splendid Spoon in February 2022.
Although the bulk of his venture capital funding goes to tech companies, he has also invested in other forward-looking ventures, like the Angel City Football Club, an LA-based National Women's Soccer League expansion team, and Impossible Foods.
One interesting point Ohanian made in an interview with Forbes was that his interest in the world of crypto was at least partially influenced by his family's experience during the Armenian genocide. During this difficult period, widespread persecution, asset seizure, and worse were destroying families, their businesses, and generational wealth.
Because of this influence, Ohanian has a great interest in cryptocurrency and has always maintained custody of his assets. Holding his own keys to his digital wallets ensures he will be the only person who can ever control the wealth he has sunk into digital coins and tokens. According to February 2023 reporting, he holds 50,000 Ethereum (ETH 3.72%), worth about $87 million as of June 12, 2023.
Alexis Ohanian's recent investments
Alexis Ohanian's recent investments
Many investors count their successes by the growth of companies where they've invested. Because Ohanian's focus is on early-round start-ups, this can be very hard to gauge from the outside. The chart below shows some of his most recent investments and the funding rounds he's most recently invested in.
| Company | Funding Round | Money Raised | Company Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shef | Debt financing | $7 million | Prepared-meal delivery platform that utilizes local cooks |
| TMRW Sports | Venture round | $14.7 million | Sports tech platform focused on progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment |
| Pulp Culture | Series A | $7 million | Hard-pressed juice brand providing naturally fermented beverages for adults |
| Altan Insights | Seed round | $4 million | Data company that provides insights on a range of collectables, both physical and digital |
| Pachama | Series B | $55 million | Platform designed to help bring carbon credit buyers and sellers together with the help of satellite data and artificial intelligence |
More from this investor
More from this investor
You can find Alexis Ohanian across social media and in more traditional media formats:
- Twitter: @alexisohanian
- Books: Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed
- TED Talks: "How to Make a Splash in Social Media"
What investors can learn from Alexis Ohanian
What investors can learn from Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian has been an active investor since he sold his first company, Reddit, in 2006. He now focuses on helping other small tech start-ups get the funding they need to succeed. Although he doesn't focus solely on tech-based companies, this is his primary passion. You'll find him sharing insights and slice-of-life posts across social media channels.
Ohanian's family background and history have contributed much to his philosophy about business. Not only does he see his investments as a way to help others, but he also views some parts of his portfolio, like crypto holdings, as a way to have ultimate control over portions of his fortune, echoing back to the betrayal of his family during the Armenian genocide.
Despite this dark past, he's found many ways to impact the world positively and often shares his business success as an advisor to young companies through various start-up incubators and political activism.
Alexis Ohanian FAQs
Alexis Ohanian FAQs
How did Alexis Ohanian make his fortune?
Alexis Ohanian made his initial fortune by selling Reddit to Conde Nast in 2006 but has since increased it through smart investments, largely in tech start-ups. He was also an early cryptocurrency adopter, with a reported $87 million in Ethereum.
Is Alexis Ohanian a billionaire?
No, Alexis Ohanian is not a billionaire. Current estimates place his net worth, separate from that of his wife, at approximately $150 million.
What does Alexis Ohanian own?
Much of what Alexis Ohanian owns is not publicly traded or is otherwise obscured (e.g., his crypto holdings), but he is a partner in Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm that helps tech start-ups get the funding they need to survive and thrive.
