User:BINK Robin/Draft:Ben Lerer

Ben Lerer (born 1981 (age 34)) 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.

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 "Next Establishment", Forbes "Most Powerful CEOs Under 40", Crain's New York Businesss 40 Under 40, Entrepreneurs "Top 5 Entrepreneurs of the Year", and AdWeeks "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.