In a compelling twist, Alexis Ohanian, renowned co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis titan Serena Williams, recently disclosed that his wife was initially hesitant about his investment in women’s sports. This revelation comes despite Ohanian’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender pay equity and the growth of women’s sports, a cause greatly influenced by his wife’s legacy.
Ohanian’s journey as an investor in women’s sports began in earnest around 2019. He saw an untapped market ripe for growth, likening his timing to catching the perfect wave, an analogy that would lead him to significant investments like Angel City FC and the 776 Invitational. Yet, Serena Williams, known for her powerful advocacy for women in sports, was not immediately on board with this venture.
Ohanian, a serial entrepreneur, sold Reddit to Condé Nast in 2006 and co-founded Initialized Capital in 2010, a venture capital firm that invested in successful startups such as Instacart and Coinbase. His recent investment venture, Seven Seven Six, was launched in 2020 and focuses on early-stage investments. Despite his wife’s influence, Ohanian maintains that personal relationships do not solely drive his investment decisions. In an interview with Forbes, he hinted at Serena’s initial reluctance to his investment in women’s sports but chose not to delve into the specifics.
In tandem with her husband’s ventures, Serena Williams has also embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey. She established WYN and Serena Ventures, the latter of which aims to empower diverse founders in consumer products, tech, and healthcare. However, Alexis Ohanian’s perspective on investing in women’s sports starkly contrasts with conventional views. Rather than seeing it as a charitable cause, he recognizes it as a sector with significant economic potential, free from the restrictions and limitations often imposed by well-meaning investors.
Overcoming initial skepticism from both his wife and other investors, Ohanian’s faith in the value of women’s sports has been vindicated. He recalled how, five years ago, the idea of investing in women’s sports was deemed unthinkable, with many predicting a total loss of his investment. Today, his investment in Angel City FC, initially valued at $1 million, is now worth nearly $300 million, making it the most valuable women’s sports team globally.
Ohanian’s journey has been significantly impacted by his wife, Serena. He described his evolution from a “random kid” to a technology mogul during an appearance on the ‘Thanalysis Show’ podcast, acknowledging the pivotal role Serena has played in his career. Their relationship thrives on mutual understanding and support for each other’s ambitions, forming a cornerstone of their partnership.
The couple’s shared determination and success have created a powerful synergy in their personal and professional lives. Ohanian once noted the joy and fulfillment he derives from having a partner who is equally motivated and successful. In a 2019 Valentine’s Day essay, he stressed the importance of their mutual understanding and relentless pursuit of success.
This power couple continues to inspire as they break boundaries in their respective fields. Their shared vision and mutual respect drive their continued success, setting a new standard for success and partnership. What are your thoughts about Serena and Alexis’s unique journey? Let us know in the comments below!