At just 41 years old, Alexis Ohanian has become one of tech’s most recognized and respected entrepreneurs, with a net worth estimated at $150 million as of 2025. Best known as the co-founder of Reddit, Ohanian is far more than just a one-hit tech wonder. He’s a savvy investor, a venture capitalist, a vocal advocate for internet freedom—and the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams. But how did he get here, and where does his wealth really come from?
What Happened With Reddit—and Why Doesn’t Ohanian Own a Major Stake Today?
Ohanian and his college friend Steve Huffman launched Reddit in 2005 with backing from Y Combinator, shortly after graduating from the University of Virginia. Just a year later, in 2006, Reddit was acquired by Condé Nast for a reported $10 to $20 million—a quick win, but one that may have left a lot of long-term equity off the table.
Interestingly, when Reddit filed to go public in early 2024, Ohanian’s name was absent from the SEC filings, confirming he no longer owns a significant (over 5%) stake in the company. Huffman, however, retained around 3%—mostly from a 2023 stock grant. It was also revealed that Sam Altman holds the largest individual stake at 8.7%.
Despite stepping away from Reddit’s operations years ago, Ohanian’s early exit hasn’t slowed him down.
How Has Alexis Ohanian Made His Money After Reddit?
After Reddit, Ohanian’s entrepreneurial spirit stayed strong. In 2007, he founded Breadpig, a quirky e-commerce platform that donates profits to charity. By 2010, he launched Das Kapital Capital, an advisory firm for startups.
But it was Initialized Capital, the venture capital firm he co-founded in 2010, that really grew his fortune. Through Initialized, Alexis became one of the earliest investors in Coinbase, putting in $200,000 in 2012. That stake grew exponentially, especially during the crypto boom, and at its peak could have been worth tens of millions.
Other notable investments include:
- Instacart
- Opendoor
- Flexport
- Cruise
- Zenefits
Today, Initialized Capital manages more than $3 billion in assets, and Ohanian’s VC career remains a key pillar of his net worth.
Did Alexis Ohanian Really Invest in Ethereum in 2014?
Yes—and it was a bold move at the time. In a 2023 interview, Ohanian revealed that he spent $15,000 on Ethereum back in 2014, well before it gained mainstream traction. By 2023, that investment was reportedly worth $80 million, and during the 2021 crypto peak, it may have exceeded $230 million.
Though it’s unclear whether he sold any of that stake, it’s a testament to his long-term vision and confidence in emerging tech trends.
What Other Ventures Has Ohanian Been Involved In?
Ohanian’s resume is impressively diverse. Beyond investing, he’s a published author (Without Their Permission), a podcast creator (Business Dad), and a documentary supporter. He also helped fundraise for initiatives like Black Girls Code and backed creative projects like the hijab emoji campaign.
In 2013, he hosted Small Empires for The Verge, spotlighting innovative startups. He’s launched Kickstarter campaigns, collaborated with musicians like Lester Chambers, and even raised funds to erect billboards supporting net neutrality.
Why Did Alexis Step Down From Reddit’s Board in 2020?
In the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, Ohanian made a bold and principled move—he resigned from Reddit’s board, asking that his seat be filled by a Black candidate. His resignation was part of a larger push for equity in tech, and just days later, Michael Seibel, a respected Black entrepreneur and Y Combinator alum, was appointed to the board.
The decision earned widespread praise, reflecting Ohanian’s commitment to using his influence for social good.
What’s Alexis Ohanian’s Personal Life Like?
In 2015, Ohanian began dating Serena Williams, and the couple kept their relationship low-key before getting engaged in December 2016. They married in a star-studded ceremony in November 2017, just months after welcoming their first daughter, Olympia. As of early 2025, they are now parents of two, after announcing their second child in 2023.
Despite his public profile, Ohanian is a deeply hands-on dad and outspoken advocate for paid paternity leave—something he pushed for nationally after experiencing Serena’s difficult childbirth firsthand.
Where Does Alexis Ohanian Live?
In 2011, Alexis bought a condo in Brooklyn for $1.245 million. He listed it in 2022 for $2.3 million, though his main residence is now in Florida, where he lives with Serena and their children. The couple enjoys a relatively private lifestyle, balancing high-profile careers with family time.
What’s Next for Alexis Ohanian?
With tech evolving rapidly and Ohanian’s sharp eye for early-stage innovation, his future is still wide open. Whether it’s investing in AI startups, supporting underrepresented founders, or advocating for progressive policy, he continues to shape the tech world with intention and purpose.
His journey from co-founding Reddit in a college apartment to managing billions in assets and building a family with one of the world’s most iconic athletes is more than impressive—it’s the blueprint of a modern tech visionary.
