Coffee Paraphernalia Co., fellow brewers, secure a round of funding through investment.

Fellow’s Rise to the Top: A Conversation with CEO Jake Kalish

In the world of coffee, innovation is key. Companies are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and provide customers with a better experience. One such company is Fellow, which has been making waves in the industry with its beautifully designed and functional products.

I sat down with Jake Kalish, CEO of Fellow, to talk about the company’s journey, its focus on product design, and what’s next for this rapidly growing startup.

The Early Days

Fellow was founded in 2011 by Mike Zollinger, a coffee aficionado who wanted to create products that would make brewing coffee easier and more enjoyable. Initially, the company focused on creating a manual pour-over dripper called the Stagg, which quickly gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts.

However, it wasn’t until the launch of the Ode grinder in 2018 that Fellow really started to gain traction. The Ode was designed with a focus on ease of use and consistency, featuring a second-generation burr set that provided a more precise grind than other grinders on the market.

A Focus on Product Design

Fellow’s commitment to product design is evident in every aspect of its business. From the sleek and modern look of its products to the attention to detail in their functionality, it’s clear that the company is dedicated to creating tools that are both beautiful and functional.

"We’re not just a hardware company," Kalish explained. "We’re a product design company that happens to make hardware. We want our products to be intuitive, easy to use, and provide a great experience for the customer."

This focus on design has paid off, with Fellow’s products being used by top baristas and coffee shops around the world.

The Rise of Subscription Services

Fellow is also exploring subscription-based services, such as its Fellow Drops program. This service allows customers to receive regular shipments of freshly roasted coffee beans from partner roasters.

"We’re looking at how we can integrate our products with other companies in the industry," Kalish said. "By partnering with roasters and offering a subscription service, we can provide customers with a seamless experience that meets their needs."

What’s Next for Fellow

With $30 million in funding and a strong product lineup, Fellow is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth.

"We’re looking at new products and services," Kalish said. "We want to make sure that our products are always improving and that we’re meeting the changing needs of our customers."

One question on everyone’s mind is whether Fellow will enter the high-end espresso market with a machine. While I couldn’t get an official confirmation, Kalish hinted that the company is exploring this option.

The Future of Coffee

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovation and design will be key drivers of growth. With its focus on product design and commitment to quality, Fellow is well-positioned to remain a leader in the industry.

"I think we’re just getting started," Kalish said with a smile. "We have a lot of ideas and plans for the future, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us."

About Jake Kalish

Jake Kalish is the CEO of Fellow, a San Francisco-based startup that’s revolutionizing the coffee industry with its beautifully designed and functional products.

Kalish has been in the tech industry for over 15 years, working at companies such as Intel and Apple before joining Fellow. He’s also an avid coffee enthusiast and has spent countless hours experimenting with brewing methods and techniques.

About Haje Jan Kamps

Haje (He/Him) is a journalist and TV producer who covers general tech news and focuses on hardware. He has founded several companies to varying degrees of success, spent time in the VC world, and has been a journalist since the dawn of his career. He’s also an avid photographer and can often be found with a camera slung over his shoulder.

Follow Haje on Twitter at @Haje or visit his website at Haje.me for more information.

Related Topics

• Coffee
• Fellow
• Hardware
• NextWorld Evergreen
• Startups

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