Serena Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, has consistently captured the world’s attention through her tennis achievements, resilience, and groundbreaking success. However, behind the tennis star is a man who has made significant strides in his own right. Alexis Ohanian, a highly accomplished tech entrepreneur and investor, has been by her side as a supportive husband and loving father to their daughter, Olympia.
Alexis Ohanian is best known for co-founding the popular social media platform Reddit, which has become one of the most visited websites globally. Ohanian’s life, career, and relationship with Serena have drawn substantial public interest over the years. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Ohanian’s life, achievements, and his loving partnership with one of the most iconic athletes in history.
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Profile Overview: Alexis Ohanian
| Full Name | Alexis Kerry Ohanian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Profession | Tech Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Famous For | Co-founder of Reddit, Initialized Capital |
| Spouse | Serena Williams |
| Children | Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. |
| Major Achievements | Co-founded Reddit, Invested in several successful startups, Advocate for paternity leave |
Who is Alexis Ohanian?
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Alexis Ohanian grew up in an Armenian-American household. His father, Chris Ohanian, emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. following the Armenian genocide, and Alexis often speaks about his deep connection to his heritage. Growing up, Ohanian was an intelligent and driven student, with a strong interest in technology and computers.
After completing his high school education, Ohanian attended the University of Virginia, where he majored in history and commerce. It was during his time at UVA that he met his future business partner, Steve Huffman. The two shared a passion for technology and problem-solving, which ultimately led to the birth of Reddit.
The Creation of Reddit
In 2005, Ohanian and Huffman co-founded Reddit, a social news aggregation site that allows users to submit, vote on, and discuss content. Dubbed “the front page of the internet,” Reddit quickly became a massive success. The site gained traction among tech enthusiasts and soon evolved into a hub for discussions on virtually every topic imaginable. Today, Reddit boasts over 52 million daily active users, making it one of the most influential websites globally.
Initially, Reddit was part of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator program that provided early-stage funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs. The platform gained popularity quickly, leading to its acquisition by Condé Nast in 2006, just a year after its launch. Although Ohanian and Huffman sold Reddit, Ohanian continued to remain involved with the company in various capacities, including returning as executive chairman in 2014 to help guide the platform’s evolution.
Ohanian’s success with Reddit paved the way for his career as a tech investor and entrepreneur. After his initial success with the social platform, he co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that has backed several highly successful startups, including Instacart, Coinbase, and Patreon. His involvement in the tech world has made him one of the most well-known entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, and he is regularly featured in major media outlets for his insights on technology and investing.
A Love Story: How Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams Met
The love story between Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams is one for the ages. The couple first met by chance in May 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome. Williams was in the Italian capital for the Italian Open, while Ohanian was attending a conference. Their first meeting, according to both of them, was not exactly love at first sight. In fact, Ohanian had unwittingly sat down at a table near Williams and her friends, who humorously tried to get him to move by claiming there was a rat nearby.
However, Ohanian stayed, sparking conversation with the tennis star. From that initial meeting, a friendship began to develop, and it wasn’t long before romance blossomed. Their love story quickly became public, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Despite coming from two very different worlds—one in the tech industry and the other in professional sports—they found common ground in their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
The couple officially went public with their relationship in late 2015, and by December 2016, Ohanian had proposed to Williams in the same hotel where they first met. In November 2017, they tied the knot in a grand ceremony in New Orleans, attended by family, friends, and celebrities, including Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. Their wedding was a celebration of love and family, with their daughter, Olympia, playing a special role in the event.
Supporting Serena’s Career
One of the most admirable aspects of the relationship between Ohanian and Williams is Ohanian’s unwavering support for his wife’s career. Despite his immense success, Ohanian has always made it clear that he is proud to stand beside his wife as she continues to dominate the world of tennis.
From cheering for her during major tournaments to speaking up on her behalf on social issues, Ohanian has been a strong advocate for Serena. Whether it’s fighting for gender equality or advocating for better maternity rights for athletes, Ohanian has continuously supported Serena in her journey, both on and off the court.
In fact, Ohanian has been vocal about the importance of paternity leave and has actively promoted the idea that men should be involved in caregiving roles. When their daughter Olympia was born in September 2017, Ohanian took 16 weeks of paternity leave from his job to focus on his family. His decision to take time off to support Serena during the postpartum period made headlines and sparked conversations around the importance of fathers being present in their children’s early lives.
Building a Family Together
The birth of Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. in September 2017 was a monumental moment for both Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian. However, Serena’s childbirth experience was not without challenges. After undergoing an emergency C-section due to complications, Serena developed blood clots that put her health in jeopardy. During this difficult period, Ohanian remained by her side, taking on the role of caregiver for both his wife and their newborn daughter.
Since then, the couple has been open about their experiences with parenthood, often sharing pictures and moments from their life with Olympia on social media. From playing tennis with her mom to traveling with her parents, Olympia has become a central figure in both Serena and Alexis’s lives. The couple’s openness about balancing career and family life has resonated with many fans, particularly those who admire their dedication to each other and to their daughter.
Ohanian’s Venture into Social Activism
Beyond his tech career, Alexis Ohanian has emerged as a vocal advocate for various social causes, particularly racial and gender equality. In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, Ohanian made the bold decision to step down from his position on Reddit’s board of directors. In a public statement, Ohanian said that it was time to “do the right thing” and urged Reddit to fill his seat with a Black candidate. This act was a significant moment, as Ohanian expressed his desire to create a better world for his daughter and ensure that she grows up in a society that values equality.
His activism did not stop there. He has continued to use his platform to speak up on issues of social justice, women’s rights, and the importance of diversity in the tech industry. His role as an ally and advocate for these causes has been widely recognized and appreciated by many.
What’s Next for Alexis Ohanian?
As of 2024, Alexis Ohanian continues to be a driving force in the tech industry, making strategic investments in groundbreaking startups while maintaining a strong focus on family life. His work with Initialized Capital ensures that he remains at the forefront of tech innovation, backing companies that aim to disrupt traditional industries.
However, Ohanian’s role as a father and husband remains central to his life. With Serena’s ongoing business ventures and potential future projects, it’s clear that Ohanian will continue to be an important part of their family’s success. Whether it’s supporting Serena’s career, advocating for social justice, or raising their daughter, Ohanian’s journey alongside one of the world’s greatest athletes is far from over.
Conclusion
Alexis Ohanian, while known primarily as the co-founder of Reddit and a successful entrepreneur, is much more than just a tech mogul. His love story with Serena Williams, his devotion to family, and his advocacy for social justice make him an inspiring figure in his own right. As the husband of Serena Williams, Ohanian has embraced his role as a partner and supporter while also carving out his own path as an activist and businessman.
Their relationship, marked by love, mutual respect, and shared values, continues to be a source of inspiration for many. Together, Serena and Alexis exemplify what it means to balance two incredibly successful careers while maintaining a strong family bond and commitment to creating a better world for the next generation.
