#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau
Update: 2025-07-07
Description
He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI.
In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to survive—and thrive—through disruption.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Media brands chased scale, but the platforms took the audience (and the money)
✅ In today’s startup world, no AI in the pitch means something’s off
✅ Cost-cutting kills companies; real growth comes from bold bets
✅ Great founders—not trends—should guide where you invest
Memorable Moments:
💡 “The winners weren’t the publishers—it was the pipes.”
💡 “We almost named it Ape Alert. That would’ve been a disaster.”
💡 “If I need a calendar reminder to make a decision, it’s a no.”
💡 “We believe founders are smarter than us. If we’re around great talent, we’ll end up in interesting markets.”
Brought to you by Mekanism.
In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to survive—and thrive—through disruption.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Media brands chased scale, but the platforms took the audience (and the money)
✅ In today’s startup world, no AI in the pitch means something’s off
✅ Cost-cutting kills companies; real growth comes from bold bets
✅ Great founders—not trends—should guide where you invest
Memorable Moments:
💡 “The winners weren’t the publishers—it was the pipes.”
💡 “We almost named it Ape Alert. That would’ve been a disaster.”
💡 “If I need a calendar reminder to make a decision, it’s a no.”
💡 “We believe founders are smarter than us. If we’re around great talent, we’ll end up in interesting markets.”
Brought to you by Mekanism.
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