Early Life
Ric Elias, a native of Puerto Rico, began his career after graduating from Boston College and earning an MBA from Harvard Business School. His early professional experience included roles in financial management. This provided a foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Rise to Success
In 2000, Elias co-founded Red Ventures with Dan Feldstein, a digital media company that quickly evolved into a major player in the online media landscape. The company's growth strategy involved acquiring and developing specialized websites. Key acquisitions include the personal finance site Bankrate for $1.4 billion in 2017 and the product reviewer CNET for $500 million in 2020.
Key Business Strategies
Red Ventures' success is attributed to its data-driven approach to marketing and content creation, enabling the company to expand aggressively across different sectors of digital publishing. Elias has emphasized the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics and fostering a strong company culture. His leadership has helped Red Ventures achieve recognition as a "Best Place to Work" for a decade.
Philanthropy
Beyond his business achievements, Elias is committed to philanthropy. He founded Golden Door Scholars, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to undocumented students, and Rebuild Puerto Rico, which raised funds for hurricane relief. In 2021, he and his wife, Brenda, pledged to give away the majority of their wealth through The Giving Pledge.