After abandoning a planned career in law following a moment of realization at a Waffle House, Alexis Ohanian co-founded the social media platform Reddit in 2005. This pivot from his university studies in history and commerce launched a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and investor that has shaped numerous early-stage technology companies.
Foundations and Education
Born in 1983 in Brooklyn, New York, Ohanian grew up in a Maryland suburb. He attended Howard High School, where he delivered the 2001 commencement address. He later enrolled at the University of Virginia, graduating with degrees in history and commerce. Although he initially considered computer science, he transitioned his focus during his undergraduate years, despite early childhood technical experience gained by repairing a 486 SX computer and building websites for nonprofit organizations.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Reddit and Initialized Capital
In 2005, Ohanian and his roommate Steve Huffman developed the concept for Reddit, which gained funding through Y Combinator. Condé Nast acquired the platform in 2006. Ohanian returned to the company in 2015 to lead it as an independent entity before stepping back in 2018. In 2010, he co-founded Initialized Capital, an early-stage venture firm. He served as a partner at Y Combinator and later founded a new venture capital firm called 776 in 2021.
Broadening Investments and Sports Ownership
Ohanian’s portfolio includes diverse interests ranging from microfinance to professional sports. He spent time as a Kiva fellow in Yerevan, Armenia, and helped launch the travel search site Hipmunk. In 2020, he became the founding owner of the National Women's Soccer League franchise Angel City FC. His involvement in athletics expanded in 2025 when he purchased a 10 percent stake in Chelsea Women FC. He also launched the women-only track and field event Athlos in 2024 and re-launched the news aggregator Digg in 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Brooklyn
- Education: Howard High School, University of Virginia
- Net worth: $150 million (2024 estimate)
- Key ventures: Reddit, Initialized Capital, 776, Angel City FC
- Citizenship: United States
- Religion: Atheism
Questions readers ask
What is Alexis Ohanian’s role at Reddit?
Ohanian co-founded Reddit in 2005, served on its board of directors, and led the company starting in 2015. He resigned from the board in June 2020.
What major sports teams does Ohanian own?
He is the founding control owner of Angel City FC in the National Women's Soccer League and holds a 10 percent stake in Chelsea Women FC.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Virginia and Howard High School
.jpg)
