Chapter One Ventures

Chapter One Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Santa Monica, California, founded by Jeff Morris Jr. The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, targeting companies that exhibit strong product-led growth potential. Leveraging Morris Jr.'s extensive background as a former Vice President of Product at Tinder, Chapter One brings a deep understanding of product development, user acquisition, and scaling strategies to its portfolio companies. The firm's investment thesis often revolves around innovative software solutions, developer tools, and the evolving landscape of the future of work, aiming to back founders building foundational technologies for the next generation of businesses.

The investment strategy at Chapter One Ventures is characterized by a hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance beyond capital. Jeff Morris Jr.'s experience in building and scaling consumer and enterprise products allows the firm to offer valuable insights into product-market fit, growth hacking, and operational efficiencies. They seek out founders with a clear vision for product innovation and a strong emphasis on user experience, often favoring companies that can achieve significant traction through organic product adoption rather than heavy marketing spend. This focus aligns with their belief in sustainable, product-driven growth models.

Chapter One Ventures has demonstrated significant growth in its capital base since its inception. The firm launched its inaugural fund in 2019 with $25 million, quickly establishing its presence in the early-stage ecosystem. This was followed by a second fund of $40 million in 2021, further expanding its capacity to support promising startups. Most recently, in 2023, Chapter One closed its third fund at $80 million, reflecting strong investor confidence and an increased ability to deploy capital into high-potential ventures. For its typical first checks, Chapter One Ventures generally writes investments ranging from $1 million to $2 million, positioning itself as a key early partner for emerging technology companies.