# Ben Lerer

> Ben Lerer is a New York investor and media entrepreneur, co-founder and founding CEO of Thrillist, former founder and CEO of Group Nine Media, and managing partner at Lerer Hippeau. His career connects a city-guide email sent to 600 friends with commerce, digital-media consolidation and early-stage venture investing.

- **Role:** Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau
- **Organizations:** Lerer Hippeau, Thrillist, Group Nine Media, Vox Media
- **From:** New York, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Political science degree, University of Pennsylvania
- **Known for:** Co-founded Thrillist and grew its newsletter from 600 initial recipients to more than one million subscriptions by 2009., Led Group Nine Media from its 2016 formation to its 2022 acquisition by Vox Media., Co-founded Lerer Hippeau, which announced more than 400 portfolio companies and a $200 million ninth seed fund in April 2025.

## Career timeline

- **2003** — Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
- **2004** — Co-founded Thrillist with college friend Adam Rich; its first newsletter was sent in 2005.
- **2005** — Thrillist sent its first email to 600 friends in New York.
- **2008** — Thrillist became profitable, operating in seven cities with approximately $5 million in revenue.
- **2010** — Thrillist acquired JackThreads; Lerer also co-founded the investment firm now called Lerer Hippeau.
- **2012** — Thrillist Media Group raised approximately $13 million in Series A financing.
- **2015** — Thrillist and JackThreads separated; Lerer led Thrillist and became JackThreads chairman.
- **2016** — Became founder and CEO of Group Nine Media, combining Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo and Seeker with $100 million invested by Discovery.
- **2022** — Vox Media completed its Group Nine acquisition on February 22. Lerer joined its board and later joined Lerer Hippeau full time.
- **2025** — Lerer Hippeau closed $200 million for its ninth early-stage fund.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Thrillist and grew its newsletter from 600 initial recipients to more than one million subscriptions by 2009.
- Led Group Nine Media from its 2016 formation to its 2022 acquisition by Vox Media.
- Co-founded Lerer Hippeau, which announced more than 400 portfolio companies and a $200 million ninth seed fund in April 2025.
- Named among Ernst & Young’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year award winners, as documented in his 20VC biography.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — Discussed founder selection, investment committee conviction and building a team of stronger investors in a June 12 GTMnow interview.
- **2026-01** — In a TBPN interview clip, reflected on growth pressure and the lost enjoyment of a smaller, profitable media business.
- **2026-01** — An Eqvista interview updated January 8 discussed founder empathy, AI businesses, early-stage specialization and exit decisions.
- **2025-07** — Appeared on Soul & Science episode 91 to discuss digital publishing, platforms and investing.
- **2025-04** — Lerer Hippeau announced $200 million for Fund IX, with several dozen portfolio founders among its limited partners.

## Links

- Website: https://www.lererhippeau.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benlerer/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/BenjLerer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjlerer/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ben-lerer
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-26