Austin Rief is an American entrepreneur, internet personality, and business innovator best known as the co-founder and CEO of Morning Brew, a digital media company that has reshaped how millions of people consume business and technology news. Known for his creative mindset and forward-thinking leadership, Austin Rief has built a reputation as one of the most influential young voices in modern media. His story reflects persistence, innovation, and a deep understanding of digital culture.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Austin Rief |
|---|---|
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Internet Personality, CEO of Morning Brew |
| Date of Birth | 1994 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Maryland, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Michigan (BBA in Business Administration) |
| Known For | Co-founding Morning Brew |
| Position | CEO of Morning Brew |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $10 million – $15 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Social Media | Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Instagram |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
Early Life and Background
Austin Rief was born in 1994 in Maryland, United States, where he spent most of his early life. Growing up, he showed a keen interest in business, finance, and digital media. His parents encouraged curiosity, creativity, and education — traits that would later define his professional journey.
As a child, Austin enjoyed reading business stories and learning how industries evolved through technology. This fascination with innovation and communication laid the foundation for his future in entrepreneurship. From an early age, he displayed leadership qualities, often taking the initiative in school projects and exploring how digital tools could make information more accessible.
Education and Academic Journey
Austin Rief attended the University of Michigan, where he studied Business Administration at the Ross School of Business. His time there was crucial to shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. While many of his peers focused on traditional finance or corporate roles, Austin was drawn to content creation and digital marketing.
During his college years, he began exploring how to make business news more engaging for young professionals. He recognized that students and young adults found traditional financial news overwhelming and difficult to relate to. This observation became the spark for what would later become Morning Brew.
At the University of Michigan, Austin met Alex Lieberman, a fellow student who shared similar interests in business and media. Their partnership would eventually transform how millions of people engage with news online.
Career Beginnings
Before creating a household name in business media, Austin Rief experimented with small entrepreneurial projects and internships that gave him real-world experience. He worked on marketing and content initiatives, learning how digital storytelling and data-driven strategies could attract large audiences.
In 2015, while still in college, Austin joined forces with Alex Lieberman to launch a simple newsletter that summarized daily business news in a fun, conversational tone. They named it Morning Brew, a nod to how readers could enjoy it each morning alongside their coffee.
What started as a passion project for fellow students quickly grew beyond the University of Michigan campus. Austin’s business acumen, combined with Alex’s editorial insight, helped the newsletter gain momentum through organic growth and word of mouth.
The Birth of Morning Brew
The idea behind Morning Brew was simple yet revolutionary: make business news engaging, educational, and easy to read. Austin and Alex noticed a gap in how young professionals consumed news — many found outlets like The Wall Street Journal too dense or intimidating.
With that in mind, they created a modern alternative: a free, witty, and digestible newsletter that summarized financial headlines with a millennial-friendly tone. Austin played a key role in designing the company’s operational and growth strategies.
However, the early days weren’t easy. The founders faced challenges in building their subscriber base and attracting advertisers. Despite setbacks, they remained focused, constantly refining their content and learning from feedback. Austin’s resilience and understanding of digital engagement helped transform Morning Brew into one of the most successful media startups of its time.
Rise to Prominence
By 2018, Morning Brew had grown into a thriving digital media company with millions of subscribers. Austin Rief’s leadership focused on scaling operations, building partnerships, and maintaining a strong editorial identity.
The company’s unique tone and brand voice appealed to a younger demographic, distinguishing it from traditional news outlets. Austin’s strategic thinking and focus on audience experience helped Morning Brew become a daily habit for readers interested in business, finance, and tech updates.
The platform expanded beyond its core newsletter into multiple verticals, including podcasts and specialized newsletters for emerging industries like marketing, retail, and technology. Austin’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to quality content were key factors in this success.
Leadership Style and Vision
Austin Rief is known for his modern and inclusive leadership style. As CEO of Morning Brew, he emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. He believes that great leaders empower their teams by giving them autonomy and purpose.
His vision for Morning Brew revolves around creating a media ecosystem that informs and entertains. He encourages a company culture focused on creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning. Austin’s leadership philosophy combines analytical decision-making with empathy — a balance that has helped him navigate the challenges of running a fast-growing media company.
He has often shared that one of his goals is to make learning about business and technology both accessible and enjoyable for the next generation.
Achievements and Career Highlights
Under Austin Rief’s leadership, Morning Brew became one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the United States. The platform surpassed four million subscribers and earned a reputation for quality journalism with a modern twist.
In 2020, Morning Brew was acquired by Insider Inc. (the parent company of Business Insider) in a deal reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars. Despite the acquisition, Austin remained CEO, ensuring that the brand retained its identity and culture.
He has also been recognized in major publications for his contributions to digital entrepreneurship, appearing in outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and Fast Company.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Austin Rief is 31 years old. He stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, with a professional yet approachable demeanor. Known for his sharp sense of style and confidence, Austin often appears at business events and conferences, representing the new generation of digital entrepreneurs.
His casual but polished appearance — often seen in smart blazers or minimalist outfits — reflects his modern business approach. Colleagues describe him as charismatic, articulate, and calm under pressure, qualities that have helped him lead effectively in the competitive media landscape.
Personal Life and Relationships
Austin Rief keeps his personal life relatively private, although it’s known that he is married. He occasionally shares glimpses of his personal experiences on social media but prefers to keep the focus on his professional work.
Balancing business growth and personal well-being is important to him. He has spoken about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing mindfulness, and spending quality time with loved ones. His family and upbringing continue to play a big role in shaping his grounded and thoughtful personality.
Off-Screen Personality and Interests
Outside the boardroom, Austin Rief is known for his curiosity, love of technology, and commitment to personal growth. He enjoys reading about startups, innovation, and leadership psychology.
He’s also passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs and sharing insights about media, business strategy, and scaling startups. Austin often appears on podcasts and at conferences, discussing the evolution of digital communication and entrepreneurship.
When he’s not working, he enjoys traveling, trying new cuisines, and spending time outdoors — a reminder that success also means finding joy beyond work.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Austin Rief is highly active on social media, particularly on LinkedIn and X (Twitter), where he shares thoughts on business, leadership, and startup culture. His posts often focus on innovation, team-building, and lessons learned from running a media company.
With a large following, Austin uses his platforms to engage with aspiring entrepreneurs, offering advice and encouraging transparency in business conversations. His approachable tone and genuine insights have made him a trusted voice among professionals and digital creators alike.
Conclusion
From a college startup to leading one of the most successful media brands of the decade, Austin Rief has proven that innovation, persistence, and creativity can redefine an entire industry. His journey from student entrepreneur to CEO is a blueprint for the next generation of digital leaders.
As he continues to expand Morning Brew’s reach and explore new business ventures, his influence on media and technology continues to grow. With his forward-thinking mindset and dedication to meaningful storytelling, Austin Rief remains a key figure shaping the future of online media and digital entrepreneurship.
FAQs
Who is Austin Rief?
Austin Rief is an American entrepreneur and internet personality, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Morning Brew, a leading digital media company.
Where was Austin Rief born?
He was born in Maryland, United States, and developed an early interest in business, innovation, and media.
How old is Austin Rief?
As of 2025, Austin Rief is 31 years old, born in 1994.
What is Austin Rief known for?
He is widely recognized for building Morning Brew, a business newsletter and media brand that transformed how people consume financial news.
Where did Austin Rief study?
He graduated from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business with a degree in Business Administration.
Is Austin Rief married?
Yes, he is married, though he keeps details about his personal life private.
What is Austin Rief’s height?
He stands around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and is known for his confident yet approachable personality.
How did Morning Brew start?
Morning Brew began as a college project created by Austin Rief and Alex Lieberman to make business news more accessible and engaging.
What is Austin Rief’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges between $10 million and $15 million, largely from his success with Morning Brew.
What’s next for Austin Rief?
He continues to expand Morning Brew and inspire young entrepreneurs through leadership, innovation, and media strategy.
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