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Chapter One is a venture capital firm founded by Jeff Morris Jr., a former VP of Product & Revenue at Tinder, along with a team of leaders from notable internet companies. Established in California, New York, and London, the firm focuses on supporting product-driven founders in building generational companies. Chapter One has a strong emphasis on a product-first approach, aiming to back innovative startups that are poised to disrupt their respective industries.
The firm manages a $40 million fund and has a portfolio of 13 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage investments. Chapter One has gained recognition for its exceptional hit rate, having backed 13 unicorns from seed stage, which places it among the top-tier seed-stage product-focused funds. The firm has also established a dual focus on consumer and Web3 investments, further differentiating its strategy in the venture capital landscape.
Chapter One invests across various sectors, including SaaS, AI/ML, developer tools, blockchain, consumer, and fintech. The firm targets early-stage investments, specifically pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A rounds. Check sizes typically range from $500,000 to $2 million, allowing Chapter One to provide substantial support to its portfolio companies.
The firm emphasizes a product-first approach, seeking founders with exceptional product taste and vision. Chapter One treats founder support as a structured product, offering resources and guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by startups. This philosophy is encapsulated in their 'Founder Experience' model, which enhances the product development process and ensures that founders have the necessary tools to succeed.
Chapter One has backed several notable companies, including:
Jeff Morris Jr. - General Partner, Founder; previously VP of Product & Revenue at Tinder, with experience in seed investing in 13 unicorns.
Jamesin Seidel - General Partner; joined Chapter One in January 2022, with a background in product and startups.
Ty Wilkins - Venture Partner; has a design background and has worked on branding for companies like Auth0, Loom, and GitLab.
Doug Dyer - CFO & COO; responsible for finance, operations, fund modeling, and LP relations.
Lauren Hill - Chief Executive Assistant; supports the executive team in various operational capacities.
Gaurav Misra - Co-Founder & CEO; brings extensive experience in product and technology leadership.
To pitch to Chapter One, founders should visit their website at chapterone.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the product, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Chapter One prefers pitches that are clear and concise, with a focus on the product's unique value proposition.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In recent months, Chapter One has continued to expand its portfolio, actively investing in innovative startups across its focus sectors. Notable investments include companies like Mercury and Supabase, both of which have achieved unicorn status. The firm has also been recognized for its dual focus on consumer and Web3 investments, which has attracted attention from industry observers.
Chapter One's General Partner, Jeff Morris Jr., has been active in sharing insights on venture capital trends through various platforms, further establishing the firm's presence in the startup ecosystem. The firm remains committed to supporting product-driven founders and fostering innovation in the technology sector.
What are Chapter One's investment criteria?
Chapter One invests in early-stage startups across sectors such as SaaS, AI/ML, fintech, blockchain, and consumer. The firm focuses on product-driven founders and typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages.
How can I pitch to Chapter One?
Founders can submit their pitches through the Chapter One website at chapterone.com. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the product, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Chapter One different from other venture firms?
Chapter One emphasizes a product-first approach, treating founder support as a structured product. This philosophy allows the firm to provide tailored resources and guidance to help startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Chapter One's investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America and Europe, focusing on regions with strong startup ecosystems.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Chapter One typically invests between $500,000 and $2 million in its portfolio companies, providing substantial capital to support early-stage growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Chapter One have?
Chapter One engages actively with its portfolio companies, offering mentorship, operational support, and access to its extensive network to help founders succeed.
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