Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian shares the top 3 must-read books from his 2024 reading list
Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Random House; Harper Business; Optimism Press; Rebecca Zisser/BI
- Alexis Ohanian shared three books that shaped his career in 2024.
- Ohanian cofounded Reddit with Steve Huffman and currently serves as founder of 776 VC firm.
- He said "Unreasonable Hospitality" is a must-read for anyone trying to build a brand.
Alexis Ohanian has been recognized as an innovator since cofounding Reddit in 2005 and selling it a year later to Condé Nast. That sale was reportedly between $10 to $20 million.
In the 20 years since then, Ohanian has vastly multiplied his wealth and business portfolio with investments in tech, sports, and other innovative ideas.
The tech founder and investor, who launched his venture firm Seven Seven Six in 2020 after officially leaving Reddit's leadership team, shared with Business Insider the top three books that shaped his career in 2024.
Ohanian said these are his must-reads for various reasons. His quotes have been edited for clarity.
"Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
Penguin Random House
My founding partner at 776, Katelin Holloway, helped produce "Creativity Inc." based on her time at Pixar. This book informed a lot of how we turned around Reddit and how I'm building 776.
"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It" by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
HarperCollins Publisher
Zachariah Reitano, the founder/CEO of Ro — one of my 776 investments — recommended the book "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on it." It's a must-read for anyone, not just CEOs and founders. I re-read it every year to refresh my memory.
"Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect" by Will Guidara
Penguin Random House
Maggi from the 776 team recommended "Unreasonable Hospitality," written by Will Guidara who achieved fame as former coowner and leader of Eleven Madison Park. EMP is one of my favorite restaurants. The methods and mindset here are imperative for anyone trying to build an exceptional brand, even outside of food and hospitality.