Serena Williams‘ husband Alexis Ohanian is not just a tech investor and entrepreneur. Of course, that’s what he does to earn money and support himself along with his family. However, he actively engages in various philanthropic activities as well. Over the last few years, Ohanian has been doing a lot to make the world a better place. From tackling climate change to reducing poverty to ensuring equality, Ohanian’s efforts have been stellar, to say the least. Ohanian, who co-founded Reddit in 2005, recently appeared in an episode of the Bloomberg Businessweek podcast. During his interaction with the host, Ohanian revealed the name of the person who inspired him to engage in philanthropic efforts following a meeting in 2018.

Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian cites Melinda Gates as his inspiration

Melinda Gates was a major driving force behind the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which was launched in 2000. Today, the private foundation is among the world’s largest charitable organizations. Over the years, Melinda Gates, the ex-wife of Bill Gates, spearheaded many of the foundations projects. They aimed to enhance healthcare services and reduce poverty around the world.

Ohanian got the chance to meet Melinda Gates in 2018, and the meeting transformed him. During the podcast, the host asked Ohanian about his main inspiration from the world of tech. In response, Ohanian said, “It’s not really anyone in tech, which is probably part of my problem. It’s part of why I think I’m so unpopular in Silicon Valley. I have never felt totally at home there”.

The Reddit co-founder then went on to speak highly of Melinda Gates. “When I think of folks who motivated me, one of my favorite conversations happened 5 years ago with Melinda Gates”. Ohanian added, “she very obviously was setting out early philanthropic goals in her career and her life. I think her ultimate legacy is going to be one that is just spectacular as a result of that.” 

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Ohanian also expressed how, owing to Melinda Gates, he has undergone a transition from caring for what strangers think to caring for only what wife Serena and daughter Olympia think. “I now really only care about what my wife and daughter think, which is nice. It’s very simplifying in life.”

A brief look at Ohanian’s philanthropy

Ohanian also revealed that Melinda Gates motivated him and gave him practical advice that helped him set up his very own foundation. As a result, Ohanian launched the 776 Foundation in March 2022. The foundation aims to encourage climate fellows to come up with solutions for tackling climate change.

Ohanian is also a board member of Robin Hood, a New York-based non-profit organization. Recently, the organization raised a whopping $61.4 million to address the persistent problem of poverty in New York. Along with fighting climate change, Ohanian’s capital venture firm also invests in businesses that have the potential to change the world for the better.

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