Founding and early editing
Vice Media began as the Montreal alternative magazine Voice of Montreal in 1994. Gavin McInnes worked with Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi to build the publication into Vice. Their roles spanned editorial content, cultural reporting and commercial expansion. The original 2023 Vice corporate bankruptcy declaration traces the magazine to 1994; the later Vice brand and company developed during the following years. Company court declaration; founder history.
Expansion and later corporate history
The magazine expanded from print into websites, documentaries, music programming and international video production. Its operations grew in New York in the early 2000s. McInnes departed in January 2008, citing creative differences. The remaining business later underwent ownership changes and filed for Chapter 11 protection in May 2023. That later insolvency is not evidence that McInnes directed the company's finances after his departure. investigative history; court declaration.
Documented connections
- Gavin McInnes — founding editor and writer until 2008.
- Shane Smith — co-founder, business development and later executive.
- Suroosh Alvi — co-founder and editorial/documentary role.
- Proud Boys — no corporate parent or funding link established; founded by an alumnus eight years after his departure.
Sources
Research reviewed November 13, 2026. Group, individual and government actions are distinguished.