Alexis Ohanian, often referred to as the “Mayor of the Internet,” has had a career that defies convention. From an unexpected epiphany at a Waffle House to founding Reddit, one of the most influential platforms on the internet, Ohanian’s path has been anything but ordinary. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Ohanian initially envisioned a career in law, but a sudden realization during his college years redirected his toward entrepreneurship—a decision that would lead him to become a pivotal figure in the tech industry.

From College Roommates to Internet Pioneers

Ohanian’s journey began at the University of Virginia, where he met Steve Huffman, who would later become his co-founder at Reddit. Their friendship was sparked over a shared love for video games, and it soon became clear that they were destined to collaborate. During the summer after their junior year, Ohanian and Huffman brainstormed a concept for a mobile food ordering service called MyMobileMenu. While their initial pitch was rejected by Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham, fate had other plans.

The very next day, Graham reconsidered, not because of the original idea, but because he saw potential in the duo. He challenged them to create something entirely different—a website that would become “the front page of the internet.” Thus, Reddit was born. The site, which started as a bare-bones platform with just links and text, rapidly evolved as users began to populate it with content. Realizing the power of community engagement, Ohanian and Huffman added the option for comments, setting the stage for Reddit’s future as a cornerstone of the internet.

 Tragedy and Triumph

However, the path to success was not without personal challenges. In the same year that Reddit began to take off, Ohanian faced two significant tragedies. His then-girlfriend suffered a life-threatening fall and slipped into a coma, from which she eventually recovered. Simultaneously, Ohanian’s mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, a battle she ultimately lost in 2008. Despite these personal hardships, Reddit’s momentum continued to build, and the platform’s popularity soared.

Shortly after its launch, Ohanian and Huffman decided to sell Reddit to Condé Nast’s parent company for a reported $10 to $20 million. The decision was a turning point, marking the beginning of Ohanian’s transition from founder to investor and advocate.

Advocating for an Open Internet

Ohanian left Reddit three years after the sale and embarked on a new chapter, taking a fellowship in Armenia, where his father’s family is from. During this period, he also launched Breadpig, a marketplace for “geek” merchandise with a charitable twist, and co-founded the travel site Hipmunk.

In 2010, Ohanian became a prominent voice in the fight for internet freedom, most notably against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). He organized protests and publicly spoke out against the bill, arguing that it would stifle innovation and harm the tech industry. Ohanian’s activism didn’t stop there; he co-founded the Internet Defense League, an organization aimed at mobilizing internet users against future threats to online freedom. He likened the group to a “Bat Signal for the internet,” always ready to defend against legislative overreach.

The Reddit Renaissance and Personal Controversies

By 2015, Reddit had become an independent subsidiary of Condé Nast’s parent company, but the platform was struggling. The site had become a breeding ground for toxic behavior, and multiple CEOs came and went. During this turbulent period, Ohanian and Huffman, who had drifted apart, reunited with a renewed commitment to turning the company around. Their efforts, however, were not without controversy. Yishan Wong, a former Reddit CEO, accused Ohanian of orchestrating the firing of a popular employee, a decision that led to widespread outrage and the resignation of then-CEO Ellen Pao.

Building a Legacy Beyond Reddit

In 2016, Ohanian co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that quickly gained a reputation for its diverse and inclusive investing team. That same year, Ohanian’s personal life took a significant turn when he met tennis superstar Serena Williams. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a whirlwind romance that culminated in a December 2016 engagement. Williams announced the engagement on Reddit, with a custom cartoon of Reddit’s alien mascot, Snoo, celebrating their union.

In 2017, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Two months later, they were married in a star-studded ceremony in New Orleans. Since becoming a father, Ohanian has been a vocal advocate for paternity leave, sharing his own experiences in a New York Times op-ed and launching a podcast, “Business Dad,” where he interviews other successful fathers.

Ohanian’s commitment to family and advocacy continued into 2020 when he made the decision to step down from Reddit’s board amidst the national reckoning on race following the death of George Floyd. He cited his desire to be able to answer his daughter when she asks, “What did you do?” In his place, Reddit appointed its first Black board member, Michael Seibel.

A New Chapter with Seven Seven Six

Even after leaving Reddit, Ohanian has remained a force in the tech and investment world. In 2020, he became the lead investor in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team in the National Women’s Soccer League. The following year, he launched Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders. The firm’s debut fund closed at $150 million, marking another milestone in Ohanian’s illustrious career.

Ohanian’s personal and professional life reached new heights in 2023 when he and Williams announced at the Met Gala that they were expecting their second child. In August of that year, they welcomed their daughter, Adira River Ohanian, into the world. As a proud father, Ohanian continues to blend his passion for tech, advocacy, and family, always striving to build a legacy that his daughters can be proud of.

The Next Frontier

Most recently, Ohanian made headlines by being one of the first to receive Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck. During the Cybertruck Delivery Event in Texas, Ohanian was the third in line to pick up the futuristic vehicle, which he praised for its performance and comfort.

As Alexis Ohanian looks to the future, his journey from a college dorm room to the heights of Silicon Valley serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and an unwavering commitment to making the internet—and the world—a better place. His story is far from over, and as the “Mayor of the Internet,” Ohanian continues to shape the digital landscape while leaving a lasting impact on the real world.

Credit: Business Insider