In the bustling ambiance of Empellón Taqueria in New York’s West Village, Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, experiences a typical serendipitous NYC evening as he bumps into familiar faces including a former Ibiza acquaintance and a Birchbox founder. This scenario underscores the close-knit essence of his network, a principle that governs both personal and professional facets of his life. At 32, Ben still exudes a youthful, university air, yet his dinner interactions reveal a deeper, almost familial business network cultivated alongside his father, Ken Lerer.
Ken Lerer, who notably navigated the public relations for AOL during its infamous merger with Time Warner, flaunts a silver mane and a skeptic’s eye towards modern concoctions like beer-based cocktails—a preference that seems ages apart from his son’s tastes. Post-AOL, his astute business moves, including an early stake in Huffington Post which he later sold for $315 million, have allowed him considerable influence in New York’s startup scene. His discreet charm and less-public persona have been integral in steering the Lerer family ventures, often overshadowing his more noticeable partner at HuffPost, Arianna Huffington.
The Lerers have touched many of New York’s high-profile startup success stories through their venture fund—supporting companies ranging from apparel giant Everlane to tech innovators like MakerBot and the cultural lyric analyzer Rap Genius. Ben and Ken’s dynamic unfolds further through their comical banters and mutual challenges at the dinner table, which reflect both generational gaps and deep-rooted respect.
Contemplating the importance of timing in business, Ken reminisces about his proactive decision to sell his HuffPost shares at a peak—a lesson in precision that he prides despite minor regrets on the exact timing. This philosophy echoes in their business strategy, having supported and exited startups like BuzzFeed and Warby Parker lucratively.
Besides their financial endeavors, the Lerers also venture into passion projects like The Dodo, an animal-rights-focused website inspired by Ken’s daughter and her ethical stance on animal welfare—a testament to how personal values can shape professional ventures in the Lerer family.
From strategic investments to advocating for animal rights, the Lerers’ narrative is a blend of impactful business moves, family ties, and a consistent eye for what’s next in the buzzing pulse of New York City’s entrepreneurial spirit.
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