Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, plans to buy back Digg.com with former rival Kevin Rose to revitalize the platform and address modern social media challenges, while also bidding on TikTok’s U.S. operations to enhance user ownership and safety. He advocates for diversity in Silicon Valley, invests in women’s sports, and launched a new app for track and field athletes, emphasizing the potential of AI to empower smaller teams and foster innovation.
In a recent interview, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, announced his plans to buy back Digg.com alongside former rival CEO Kevin Rose. The two have reconciled over the years, moving from fierce competition to collaboration. Ohanian expressed a desire to revitalize Digg, aiming to recreate the positive online community vibes of the mid-2000s while addressing the challenges of modern polarization in social media. He believes that technology, particularly AI, can help users better manage their online interactions and experiences, fostering a healthier digital environment.
Ohanian also discussed his involvement in the bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations as a strategic adviser. He emphasized the importance of moving TikTok away from Chinese government influence and expressed optimism about the potential for integrating blockchain technology into the platform. He envisions a user experience where individuals have ownership of their identities and profiles, enhancing user engagement and safety. Ohanian acknowledged the competitive nature of the bidding process but remains hopeful about the outcome.
On the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Silicon Valley, Ohanian criticized peers who are stepping back from these initiatives. He argued that organizations that prioritize a diverse talent pool will ultimately thrive, as they will attract the best candidates. He highlighted the importance of creating policies that support a wide range of individuals and emphasized that hiring for diversity does not compromise meritocracy. Ohanian believes that the focus on inclusion will return as companies recognize the benefits of a broader talent funnel.
Ohanian is also a strong advocate for investing in women’s sports, viewing it as an undervalued asset with significant growth potential. He noted that the valuation of women’s professional sports teams has increased dramatically in recent years, and he predicts that a women’s professional sports team could reach a billion-dollar valuation within five years. He specifically pointed to the WNBA and women’s soccer as likely candidates for this milestone, citing the increasing popularity and engagement of female athletes on social media as a driving force behind this growth.
Lastly, Ohanian launched a new social media app called Inner Circle, aimed at track and field athletes, to provide them with a platform that addresses their unique challenges and enhances their engagement. He also introduced a podcast titled “Business Dad,” focusing on the balance between career success and fatherhood, aiming to normalize discussions around men’s roles as fathers. Ohanian believes that as AI continues to evolve, it will empower smaller teams and entrepreneurs, allowing them to compete effectively against larger companies, ultimately fostering a more innovative and dynamic business landscape.