Alexis Ohanian encourages entrepreneurs through Folgers new initiative
Alexis Ohanian is a compelling voice in today’s volatile world. Through his partnership with Folgers, Ohanian seeks to encourage entrepreneurs in the 1850 Brand Coffee Bold Pioneer Campaign.
Alexis Ohanian has been described in many ways. Whether people associate him with the website Reddit, his venture capital fund or his loving family, the savvy businessman is a leading entrepreneur. While some entrepreneurs are driven, Ohanian seems to be more than just a risk taker.
Recently, Ohanian partnered with Folgers on a new campaign. The campaign coincided with the brand’s new coffee, 1850 Brand Coffee. This new coffee goes back to the brand’s roots. It pays tribute to “the pioneering spirit of J.A. Folger and embodies the hustle and grind of today’s pioneers.”
Through this initiative, the 1850 Brand Coffee Bold Pioneer campaign, Folgers sought to assist aspiring entrepreneurs through grant funding. The campaign encouraged people to give a voice to their bold ideas and initiatives. The desire was to discover an idea, program or concept that could truly make a difference.
1850 Brand, Folgers, 1850 Bold Coffee Bold Pioneer Campaign, photo provided by Folgers
Starting on November 5, the finalists in this 1850 Brand Coffee Bold Pioneer campaign will be announced on the 1850 company website. People can vote for the person/idea who has captivated the bold idea and spirit behind this initiative.
As a partner in this initiative, Alexis Ohanian provided his insight and entrepreneurial expertise. In conjunction with this campaign, Ohanian graciously answered a few of my questions about entrepreneurial spirit, his partnership with Folgers and the new 1850 Brand Coffee. Below is a transcript of this conversation.
Alexis Ohanian, 1850 Folgers 1850 Bold Coffee Bold Pioneer Campaign, photo provided by Folgers
Cristine Struble (CS): As one of driving forces behind the 1850 Brand Coffee Bold Pioneer campaign, do you think that young entrepreneurs embrace the idea of making a difference in today’s tumultuous world?
Alexis Ohanian (AO): Yes, and I think it’s almost out of necessity at this point. When we look back on this generation, burdened with student loan debt and uncertain career paths, they will have to innovate their way out of this. We were all promised that if we got a college degree we would all get a career and the reality is that many of us will need to be entrepreneurial in creating the career we want.
CS: The three campaign finalists have ideas that are very diverse. Do you think that today’s entrepreneurs look to make large social change impacts or seek improve daily tasks?
AO: I think that many of them are trying to do both – I don’t think they need to be mutually exclusive. I’m constantly meeting with entrepreneurs through my role as a full-time VC with Initialized Capital, and it’s clear that the social impact of the companies they are starting are very much on their minds. It didn’t surprise me that so many of the submissions we got for this Bold Pioneer campaign had such a range of impact and commercial viability.
CS: Can you pinpoint a bold idea or risk that you took has impacted your entrepreneurial track?
AO: Garry Tan and I were partners at Y Combinator, which is the world’s leading incubator. Our bold – and somewhat risky – idea was to leave Y Combinator to start an early stage venture capital fund where we could take the ideas we had as early investors and founders ourselves and create the VC fund that we wish we had had. Starting something new isn’t easy but it’s been well worth it.
CS: This new Folgers offering has several references to the history of Folgers coffee, do you think that brands, as well as entrepreneurs, can learn from the past?
AO: You’re talking to a history major so I definitely believe that! It’s more important than ever for new brands to have a deep understanding of what they stand for. In this case there was a deep, long history with Folgers dating back to 1850, but even for new nascent brands, they have to know what they are about. Consumers are savvier than ever and there are more choices than ever so people need to understand the identity of the brands they support and feel passionate about them.
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CS: Coffee has become more than just a plain, bland drink. Why do you think that the 1850 Brand Coffee branding draws coffee fans to this new Folgers coffee?
AO: The emphasis is put on just what’s in the bag; there are no distractions. The relentless focus on craftsmanship and quality over the past 150+ years is exactly what people are looking for these days.
CS: 1850 Brand Coffee comes in four very distant roasts. Do you have a personal favorite roast?
AO: Trailblazer!
CS: Some people believe that their day must start with a bold, smooth cup of coffee. Do you have a morning ritual that you follow every day?
AO: I’m really trying to not look at my phone first thing – I try to make sure I see my wife and my baby before reaching for the phone. More often than not, my morning routine includes taking out my burr grinder and French press to make a cup of coffee.
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A special thank you to Alexis Ohanian for taking the time to share his responses to my questions. Also, I would like to thank Folders for facilitating this interview.
Do you have a bold, yearning desire to brew up something better? Grab a cup of Folgers 1850 coffee and start a strong, determined path to innovate part of your world.