A New Approach to Startup Acceleration: Product Club
While most startup accelerators prioritize scaling their cohort sizes over time—like Y Combinator, which grew from 8 to 150+ companies per batch—Jeff Morris Jr., former Tinder VP and seasoned investor, is taking a radically different approach. His newly launched Product Club is designed to stay small, focused, and deeply hands-on.
Why Small Batch Sizes Matter
Product Club’s inaugural batch will include just three startups, with potential growth capped at 10 companies in future cohorts. Morris challenges the conventional wisdom that larger cohorts increase the odds of success:
“I’ve heard from many accelerator founders who say, ‘You’ll never find a winner with such small classes.’ But I’m okay with that if it means we can deliver unparalleled mentorship,” Morris explains.
The Product Club Model: Investment + Intensive Mentorship
Each selected startup receives:
- $100,000 investment for 5% equity
- Weekly one-on-one sessions with top-tier mentors, exclusively focused on product development
A-List Mentor Network
Product Club boasts an impressive lineup of industry leaders, including:
- Danny Trinh (Head of Design, Zenly)
- Merci Victoria Grace (Investor, Lightspeed; ex-Head of Growth, Slack)
- Scott Belsky (Behance Founder, CPO at Adobe)
- Sriram Krishnan (Investor; ex-Twitter Consumer Product Lead)
- Manik Gupta (Investor; former CPO, Uber)
- Brian Norgard (Investor; ex-CPO, Tinder)
- Jules Walter (Slack Monetization; Co-Founder, BlackPM Network)
- Josh Elman (Greylock Partner; ex-VP of Product, Robinhood)
Additionally, the program partners with elite product designers to provide hands-on branding and UX support.
Transparency as a Core Principle
Unlike traditional accelerators that operate behind closed doors, Product Club embraces openness:
- Publicly announces cohort members upfront
- Hosts founder office hours with users
- Shares product updates transparently, “almost like a change log”
While a Demo Day will still occur, it will serve as a progress overview rather than a grand reveal.
Behind the Scenes: Chapter One and Morris’s Track Record
Product Club operates under Chapter One, Morris’s early-stage seed fund launched in 2017. Morris brings firsthand product expertise from his tenure at Tinder, where he spearheaded revenue-generating features like Tinder Gold. He also briefly led product growth at Lambda School before transitioning to full-time investing.
Program Details at a Glance
- First Batch: Summer 2020 (August 3 start, 10-week duration)
- Application Deadline: July 19
- Global Reach: Fully remote, open to worldwide applicants
By prioritizing quality over quantity, Product Club aims to redefine what startup acceleration can achieve—one meticulously crafted product at a time.
🚀 Technology Solutions & Recommendations
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Just as Product Club emphasizes focus by staying small and selective, the HG – Keychain embodies the same principle—delivering only what’s essential. Readers who appreciate intentional, no-frills efficiency in startups will resonate with this product’s purposeful design.
HG – Keychain is a compact, high-quality keychain designed for those who value simplicity and focus—just like Product Club’s small-batch accelerator philosophy. Built for durability and everyday carry, it keeps your essentials secure without unnecessary bulk, mirroring the ‘less is more’ approach championed by Jeff Morris Jr.’s selective startup program.
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Readers of the Product Club article are likely drawn to the idea of intentional, small-scale excellence—whether in startups or lifestyle products. The HG Blanket mirrors this philosophy by offering a high-quality, purpose-driven product that avoids mass-production compromises.
HG – Blanket is a premium, intentionally crafted blanket designed for those who appreciate quality over quantity. Just like Product Club’s small-batch accelerator approach, this blanket focuses on delivering exceptional comfort and warmth without unnecessary bulk or excess. Made from sustainably sourced materials, it’s built to last—perfect for startup founders burning the midnight oil or anyone who values simplicity and focus in their daily life.
Key Features:
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- Sustainable, eco-friendly materials
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- Optimized weight for year-round comfort
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