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LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Ric Elias
Global Rank
#3342

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Ric Elias

CEO, Media
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.036B
Estimated based on Media stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
58
Source
Media
Industry
Media & Entertainment
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Ric Elias is the co-founder and CEO of Red Ventures, a digital media company that owns and operates brands such as CNET, Lonely Planet, and The Points Guy. Born in Puerto Rico, Elias is 58 years old and has a net worth estimated at $1.0 billion, stemming from his media ventures. His career includes early work at GE before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School. He founded Red Ventures in 2000, growing the company through strategic acquisitions, including Bankrate and CNET, and has cultivated an award-winning company culture. He is also known for surviving the US Airways Flight 1549 incident. Elias is actively involved in philanthropy, founding Golden Door Scholars.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ric Elias was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which granted him U.S. citizenship. Information about his early life is limited, but his later achievements suggest an early entrepreneurial drive and interest in media and technology.

Rise to Success

Ric Elias co-founded Red Ventures with Dan Feldstein in 2000. Red Ventures initially focused on online marketing services. Elias's strategy has been acquisition-driven, targeting niche sites with strong audience loyalty and monetization potential. Key acquisitions include Bankrate in 2017 ($1.4 billion) and CNET in 2020 ($500 million). Red Ventures has grown into a multi-brand digital media conglomerate. By 2015, the company was valued at over $1 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Elias's approach reflects a modern media playbook: buy, optimize, scale, and monetize through affiliate marketing, advertising, and subscription models. Red Ventures focuses on acquiring and optimizing niche digital properties, enhancing them for performance marketing, and monetizing them through affiliate revenue and advertising.

Philanthropy

Elias founded Golden Door Scholars, a non-profit that provides scholarships, mentorship, and career support to undocumented students in the U.S. He has pledged to give away at least half of his family's wealth.

Career Milestones

2000

Cofounded Red Ventures

Co-founded Red Ventures with Dan Feldstein, which grew into a major digital media company.

2007

Inc. 500

Ranked fourth on the Inc. 500 list.

2017

Acquired Bankrate

Acquired Bankrate for $1.4 billion.

2020

Acquired CNET

Acquired CNET for $500 million.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Golden Door Scholars

$1M

Provides scholarships, mentorship, and career support to undocumented students in the U.S.

Economic Development

Forward787

$100M

A social enterprise committed to raising and deploying $100 million to build businesses in Puerto Rico

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I no longer try to be right; I choose to be happy."

Leadership Principles

Data-Driven Approach

Emphasizes operational efficiency, rapid iteration, and measurable ROI

Long-term Vision

Focuses on a long-term vision rather than short-term profits

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