Alexis Ohanian has a unique background that shapes his entrepreneurial journey. His paternal grandparents fled the Armenian genocide, ultimately seeking refuge in the United States. Born to a German mother, Anke, and a father, Chris, who worked as a travel agent and pharmaceutical technician, Ohanian grew up in Maryland.
As an only child, Ohanian was connected to his Armenian heritage through summer camps. He demonstrated early signs of entrepreneurship and served as the commencement speaker at Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, in 2001.
Alexis Ohanian’s Education and Career Beginnings
Ohanian pursued studies in computer science at the University of Virginia but shifted his focus to business, history, and commerce. After completing his degree, he teamed up with his college roommate, Steve Huffman, to launch MyMobileMenu, a food delivery app. Although this venture did not succeed, they soon hit it big with Reddit, an online bulletin board they created.
In 2006, Reddit was acquired by Condé Nast for between $10 million and $20 million. Ohanian continued to serve as a board member. In 2015, he and Huffman returned to take the helm of Reddit but Ohanian stepped back from daily operations in 2018.
Advocacy and Ventures
In 2020, following the tragic murder of George Floyd, Ohanian resigned from Reddit’s board. He insisted on a replacement from the Black community, leading to Michael Seibel’s appointment. This move highlighted Ohanian’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Beyond Reddit, Ohanian’s influence extends into various technology investments. He founded Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm aimed at nurturing technology startups. He was also the lead investor in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League.
In 2025, Ohanian acquired a stake in the Chelsea Women FC soccer team and became part of its board of directors. His journey through the tech landscape and contributions to women’s sports illustrate a captivating love story, not just with his entrepreneurial pursuits but also with the causes he believes in.
