It started as a Google Doc sent to 78 people
Hey there,
Drew here, cofounder of 1440. No pitch in this one; just a quick story, then one small ask.
In May 2017, the first edition of 1440 was a Google Doc emailed to 78 friends and family. No publishing tools. No investors. No employees. I wrote it before dawn (starting at 4 AM) while working a full-time government job and raising a two-year-old. Tim had just left private equity and was betting his severance on the idea that people deserved a better morning read.
Today, 4.7 million people start their morning with 1440. Every word is still written and reviewed by humans. There's still no algorithm deciding what you see and no headline written to make you angry.
We got from 78 to 4.7 million the only way left once you refuse all of that: readers who liked it told someone.
Which is what makes you unusual. Out of those 4.7 million, you're in the small group who doesn't stop at the headline — you follow the story. You're the readers we write for first, the ones who actually want the full picture instead of the version that picks a side.
So, one ask. If you know someone who'd appreciate the news with facts and without the spin, pass 1440 along. It means more coming from you than from us.
Thank you for reading. It still means as much to us at 4.7 million as it did at 78.
— Drew
Why 1440? The printing press was invented around the year 1440, spreading knowledge to the masses and changing the course of history. More facts: In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. We’re here to make each one count.
1440 Media 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212 Chicago, IL 60654
Copyright © 2026, 1440 Media, All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
Unsubscribe from this email or update my subscription preferences.
