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Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian is an American internet entrepreneur and investor best known as a co-founder and former executive chairman of Reddit.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alexis Ohanian is an American internet entrepreneur and investor best known as a co-founder and former executive chairman of Reddit. He has also co-founded Initialized Capital, helped launch Hipmunk, and founded Seven Seven Six.

Early life and education

Alexis Ohanian was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 24, 1983, and is of Armenian American background. He studied at the University of Virginia.

Reddit

Ohanian is best known for co-founding Reddit, one of the most widely used social news and discussion platforms on the internet. He later served as Reddit’s executive chairman.

Venture capital and startups

After Reddit, Ohanian co-founded Initialized Capital and later launched Seven Seven Six. He has also been involved with other startups and internet ventures, including Hipmunk and Breadpig.

Public profile and advocacy

Ohanian has been associated with advocacy for the open internet and technology entrepreneurship. He has also been noted for investing in startups and supporting new founders.

Key facts

  • Co-founded Reddit with Steve Huffman and Aaron Swartz.
  • Served as executive chairman of Reddit.
  • Co-founded the venture capital firm Initialized Capital.
  • Helped launch the travel search website Hipmunk.
  • Started the social enterprise Breadpig and later founded Seven Seven Six.
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Canadian context

Ohanian has broad relevance for Canadian readers through Reddit’s global reach and his influence in internet entrepreneurship and venture capital, which are widely followed in Canada’s tech sector.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alexis Ohanian?
He is an American internet entrepreneur and investor best known as a co-founder of Reddit.
What is Alexis Ohanian known for?
He is known primarily for co-founding Reddit and later working in venture capital and startup investing.
What companies did Alexis Ohanian help found?
He co-founded Reddit, Initialized Capital, Breadpig, and Seven Seven Six, and helped launch Hipmunk.
Did Alexis Ohanian work at Y Combinator?
Yes. He was a partner at Y Combinator.
Where was Alexis Ohanian born?
He was born in Brooklyn, New York.
What is Alexis Ohanian’s educational background?
He attended the University of Virginia.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Ohanian
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, Armenian American background, Reddit co-founding, Initialized Capital, Hipmunk, Breadpig, Y Combinator.
  2. Sloan Sports Conference — https://sloansportsconference.com/people/alexis-ohanian
    Supports: Seven Seven Six, Angel City FC, open internet advocacy, education, and career summary.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/alexis-ohanian
    Supports: Reddit co-founding, Initialized Capital, Hipmunk, advocacy, and family details.