| Revision as of 16:35, 2 May 2024 editBINK Robin (talk | contribs)396 edits replace TechCrunch with Variety← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 22:28, 6 January 2025 edit undoBINK Robin (talk | contribs)396 edits Adding new source | ||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| | name = |
| name = <!-- defaults to article title when left blank --> | ||
| | image = <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing ] --> | | image = <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing ] --> | ||
| | alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software --> | | alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software --> | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
| ==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
| Lerer is the son of ]. He attended the ] as a teen and graduated from the ] in 2003 with a degree in ].<ref name="NYT1">{{cite news |title=JackThreads Offers E-Clothes for Guys and Bros |last1=Williams |first1=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/fashion/mens-style/jackthreads-mens-clothing.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 1, 2015 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name=BI1>{{cite news |title=Ben Lerer spent his 20s building an email startup for 'civilized bros' — here's how he turned that into a $580 million media company |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ben-lerer-thrillist-email-valuation-600-million-group-nine-startup-success-2017-9 |last1=Mazarakis |first1=Anna |last2=Shontell |first2=Alyson |work=Business Insider |date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> He has a sister, Isabel.<ref name="NY1">{{cite news |title=Our Congenial Web Overlords |last1=Pressler |first1=Jessica |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/ken-ben-lerer-2014-1/ |work=New York Magazine |date=January 10, 2014 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> | Lerer is the son of ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Can Ben Lerer Turn Discovery-Backed Digital Roll-Up Into the Next Vice? |work=Variety |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/ben-lerer-discovery-digital-group-nine-tv-1201888073/}}</ref> He attended the ] as a teen and graduated from the ] in 2003 with a degree in ].<ref name="NYT1">{{cite news |title=JackThreads Offers E-Clothes for Guys and Bros |last1=Williams |first1=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/fashion/mens-style/jackthreads-mens-clothing.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 1, 2015 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name=BI1>{{cite news |title=Ben Lerer spent his 20s building an email startup for 'civilized bros' — here's how he turned that into a $580 million media company |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ben-lerer-thrillist-email-valuation-600-million-group-nine-startup-success-2017-9 |last1=Mazarakis |first1=Anna |last2=Shontell |first2=Alyson |work=Business Insider |date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> He has a sister, Isabel.<ref name="NY1">{{cite news |title=Our Congenial Web Overlords |last1=Pressler |first1=Jessica |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/ken-ben-lerer-2014-1/ |work=New York Magazine |date=January 10, 2014 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lerer worked for ].<ref name="NYT1"/><ref name="Inc">{{cite news |title=Before He Built a Lifestyle Brand, Ben Lerer Bussed Tables |work=Inc. |last1=Neves |first1=Antonio |date=November 12, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.inc.com/antonio-neves/ben-lerer-thrillist-not-on-my-resume.html}}</ref> He and Adam Rich co-founded men's lifestyle website ] in 2005.<ref name="Wired">{{cite news |title=The Newsletter That Became a $100M Business Selling Stuff to Dudes |last1=Tate |first1=Ryan|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/hype-commerce-thrillist/ |work=Wired |date=August 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> Thrillist began as a newsletter with 600 subscribers; by 2012, it had more than 3 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thrillist's Ben Lerer on his Success as a Young Trep |work=Entrepreneur |last1=Lazar |first1=Shira |date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/thrillists-ben-lerer-on-his-success-as-a-young-trep/228824}}</ref> | After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lerer worked for ].<ref name="NYT1"/><ref name="Inc">{{cite news |title=Before He Built a Lifestyle Brand, Ben Lerer Bussed Tables |work=Inc. |last1=Neves |first1=Antonio |date=November 12, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.inc.com/antonio-neves/ben-lerer-thrillist-not-on-my-resume.html}}</ref> He and Adam Rich co-founded men's lifestyle website ] in 2005.<ref name="Wired">{{cite news |title=The Newsletter That Became a $100M Business Selling Stuff to Dudes |last1=Tate |first1=Ryan|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/hype-commerce-thrillist/ |work=Wired |date=August 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> Thrillist began as a newsletter with 600 subscribers; by 2012, it had more than 3 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thrillist's Ben Lerer on his Success as a Young Trep |work=Entrepreneur |last1=Lazar |first1=Shira |date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/thrillists-ben-lerer-on-his-success-as-a-young-trep/228824}}</ref> | ||
| In 2016, Lerer became the ] of ] following the merger of Thrillist, ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news |title= |
In 2016, Lerer became the ] of ] following the merger of Thrillist, ], ], and ].<ref name=TC1>{{cite news |title=Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo and Seeker form a new, Discovery-backed holding company |last1=Ha |first1=Anthony |work=TechCrunch |date=October 13, 2016 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/13/group-nine-media/}}</ref> He stepped down as CEO in 2021 following the sale of Group Nine to ]. He retained a position on the Vox board of directors.<ref name=WSJ1>{{cite news |title=Vox Media Agrees to Buy Group Nine Media, Creating Big Digital Publisher |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/vox-media-in-advanced-talks-to-merge-with-group-nine-media-11639420533 |last1=Sharma |first1=Amol |last2=Mullin |first2=Benjamin |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> | ||
| ===Lerer Hippeau=== | ===Lerer Hippeau=== | ||
| Lerer and his father founded Lerer Ventures, a venture capital firm, in 2010.<ref name="TC3">{{cite news |title=Lerer Hippeau closes $230M across two new funds; Ben Lerer is back |last1=Hall |first1=Christine |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/20/lerer-hippeau-closes-230m-across-two-new-funds-ben-lerer-is-back/ |work=TechCrunch |date=September 20, 2022 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> Lerer led investments in ] and ].<ref name="NYT1"/> The firm changed its name to Lerer Hippeau in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Daily Startup: Lerer Hippeau Ventures Has New Name, New Fund |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-daily-startup-lerer-hippeau-ventures-has-new-name-new-fund-1403703723}}</ref> By 2022, it had invested in 400 companies. Lerer is a managing partner with the firm.<ref name=" |
Lerer and his father founded Lerer Ventures, a venture capital firm, in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |work=Mashable |last1=Indvik |first1=Lauren |url=https://mashable.com/archive/thrillist-scaling-smarter#w_UuJOhBZmq9 |title=Thrillist: From a Simple Newsletter to $80 Million in Revenue |date=September 24, 2013 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="TC3">{{cite news |title=Lerer Hippeau closes $230M across two new funds; Ben Lerer is back |last1=Hall |first1=Christine |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/20/lerer-hippeau-closes-230m-across-two-new-funds-ben-lerer-is-back/ |work=TechCrunch |date=September 20, 2022 |accessdate=March 20, 2024}}</ref> Lerer led investments in ] and ].<ref name="NYT1"/> The firm changed its name to Lerer Hippeau in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Daily Startup: Lerer Hippeau Ventures Has New Name, New Fund |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 25, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-daily-startup-lerer-hippeau-ventures-has-new-name-new-fund-1403703723}}</ref> By 2022, it had invested in 400 companies.<ref name="TC3"/> Lerer is a managing partner with the firm.<ref name="Schwartz">{{cite news |title=Consumer brands like Warby Parker and Casper built the New York tech scene. Where did they go? |work=Fortune |last1=Schwartz |first1=Leo |date=December 16, 2024 |access-date=December 17, 2024 |url=https://fortune.com/2024/12/16/consumer-tech-ai-warby-parker-ayoh-new-york-lerer-hippeau/}}</ref> In 2024, Lerer described changes in venture capital strategy, shifting from consumer-focused companies and direct-to-consumer products in the early 2010s to technology companies in the 2020s.<ref name="Schwartz"/> | ||
| ===Other work=== | ===Other work=== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
| ==Recognition== | ==Recognition== | ||
| Lerer has been featured on multiple lists, including '']''{{'s}} "Next Establishment", '']''{{'}} "Most Powerful CEOs Under 40", '']''{{'}}s 40 Under 40, '']''{{'}}s "Top 5 Entrepreneurs of the Year", and '']''{{'}}s "Young Influentials".<ref name=meet>{{cite news |title=Meet Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist Media Group |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-live/wp/2015/10/22/meet-ben-lerer-co-founder-of-thrillist-media-group/ |last1=Delargy |first1=Christine |date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=The Washington Post }}</ref> ] named Lerer ] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thrillist’s Ben Lerer |work=Vanity Fair |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |last1=Solomon |first1=Benjamin |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2013/07/thrillist-ben-lerer-snapchat}}</ref> | Lerer has been featured on multiple lists, including '']''{{'s}} "Next Establishment", '']''{{'}} "Most Powerful CEOs Under 40", '']''{{'}}s 40 Under 40, '']''{{'}}s "Top 5 Entrepreneurs of the Year", and '']''{{'}}s "Young Influentials".<ref name=meet>{{cite news |title=Meet Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist Media Group |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-live/wp/2015/10/22/meet-ben-lerer-co-founder-of-thrillist-media-group/ |last1=Delargy |first1=Christine |date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |work=The Washington Post }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=40 Under 40 Class of 2010: Ben Lerer, 28: Chief executive, Thrillist |work=Crain's New York Business |last1=Bindrim |first1=Kira |access-date=May 1, 2024 |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/ben-lerer}}</ref> ] named Lerer ] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thrillist’s Ben Lerer |work=Vanity Fair |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |last1=Solomon |first1=Benjamin |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2013/07/thrillist-ben-lerer-snapchat}}</ref> | ||
| ==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Latest revision as of 22:28, 6 January 2025
American investor
| BINK Robin/Draft:Ben Lerer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1980 or 1981 (age 43–44) |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Investor |
| Board member of | |
Ben Lerer (born 1980 or 1981) is an American venture capitalist, investor, and former media executive. He co-founded Thrillist in 2004 and founded and was chief executive officer of Group Nine Media. He is a managing partner at early-stage venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau.
Early life and education
Lerer is the son of Kenneth Lerer. He attended the Dalton School as a teen and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 with a degree in political science. He has a sister, Isabel.
Career
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lerer worked for André Balazs. He and Adam Rich co-founded men's lifestyle website Thrillist in 2005. Thrillist began as a newsletter with 600 subscribers; by 2012, it had more than 3 million.
In 2016, Lerer became the chief executive officer of Group Nine Media following the merger of Thrillist, NowThis Media, Seeker, and The Dodo. He stepped down as CEO in 2021 following the sale of Group Nine to Vox Media. He retained a position on the Vox board of directors.
Lerer Hippeau
Lerer and his father founded Lerer Ventures, a venture capital firm, in 2010. Lerer led investments in Warby Parker and Everlane. The firm changed its name to Lerer Hippeau in 2014. By 2022, it had invested in 400 companies. Lerer is a managing partner with the firm. In 2024, Lerer described changes in venture capital strategy, shifting from consumer-focused companies and direct-to-consumer products in the early 2010s to technology companies in the 2020s.
Other work
Lerer is the chairman of Urban Upbound, an associate member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and is a mentor with Techstars, NYC Venture Fellows, and Enstitute.
Recognition
Lerer has been featured on multiple lists, including Vanity Fair's "Next Establishment", Forbes' "Most Powerful CEOs Under 40", Crain's New York Business's 40 Under 40, Entrepreneur's "Top 5 Entrepreneurs of the Year", and AdWeek's "Young Influentials". Ernst & Young named Lerer Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013.
Personal life
Lerer lives with his wife and children in New York City.
References
- Spangler, Todd (October 14, 2016). "Can Ben Lerer Turn Discovery-Backed Digital Roll-Up Into the Next Vice?". Variety. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Alex (October 1, 2015). "JackThreads Offers E-Clothes for Guys and Bros". The New York Times. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Mazarakis, Anna; Shontell, Alyson (September 5, 2017). "Ben Lerer spent his 20s building an email startup for 'civilized bros' — here's how he turned that into a $580 million media company". Business Insider. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Pressler, Jessica (January 10, 2014). "Our Congenial Web Overlords". New York Magazine. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Neves, Antonio (November 12, 2014). "Before He Built a Lifestyle Brand, Ben Lerer Bussed Tables". Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Tate, Ryan (August 18, 2014). "The Newsletter That Became a $100M Business Selling Stuff to Dudes". Wired. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Lazar, Shira (August 21, 2012). "Thrillist's Ben Lerer on his Success as a Young Trep". Entrepreneur. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Ha, Anthony (October 13, 2016). "Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo and Seeker form a new, Discovery-backed holding company". TechCrunch. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Sharma, Amol; Mullin, Benjamin (December 14, 2021). "Vox Media Agrees to Buy Group Nine Media, Creating Big Digital Publisher". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Indvik, Lauren (September 24, 2013). "Thrillist: From a Simple Newsletter to $80 Million in Revenue". Mashable. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Hall, Christine (September 20, 2022). "Lerer Hippeau closes $230M across two new funds; Ben Lerer is back". TechCrunch. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- "The Daily Startup: Lerer Hippeau Ventures Has New Name, New Fund". The Wall Street Journal. June 25, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- ^ Schwartz, Leo (December 16, 2024). "Consumer brands like Warby Parker and Casper built the New York tech scene. Where did they go?". Fortune. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ Delargy, Christine (October 22, 2015). "Meet Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist Media Group". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
- Tanzer, Myles (October 17, 2012). "Startup News: Braintree Gets a $35 M. Boost, TED Gets Trippy, and Real Estate Gets Gamified". Observer. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- "Ben Lerer". Big Think. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- Bindrim, Kira. "40 Under 40 Class of 2010: Ben Lerer, 28: Chief executive, Thrillist". Crain's New York Business. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- Solomon, Benjamin (July 8, 2013). "Thrillist's Ben Lerer". Vanity Fair. Retrieved March 20, 2024.