Next Big Idea Club

The Next Big Idea Club operates as a curated book subscription service and media platform focused on non-fiction literature. It was founded by serial entrepreneur Rufus Griscom, who previously established Nerve, a site for articles about sex, and Babble Media, a platform for parents which was sold to Disney. Griscom, alongside co-founders Panio Gianopoulos, Michael Kovnat, and Christopher Chaput, launched the platform, which was formerly known as Heleo Media, in 2015. The venture is also guided by a prominent group of bestselling authors—Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink—who act as curators and are considered co-founders of the club concept.

The company's business model is centered on a subscription service that provides members with access to newly released non-fiction books, selected quarterly by its well-known curators. Revenue is generated through several membership tiers, including options for physical hardcover books, e-books, and an "Express Membership" that provides access to digital content without the books. The club primarily serves individuals interested in personal and professional development, lifelong learners, and corporate clients seeking team-building and professional development resources. Enterprise options are available, allowing companies to expense memberships or place group orders.

The core offering consists of two selected non-fiction books per season, delivered to members. Beyond the physical books, the service is a comprehensive content platform. Membership includes access to a proprietary mobile app, exclusive video and audio e-courses that distill key book insights, author interviews, and reading guides. A significant feature is the community aspect, facilitated through private online forums where members can discuss ideas with each other and directly engage with the authors and curators. The platform also produces a large volume of content in the form of "Book Bites," which are short audio summaries of non-fiction books created by the authors themselves. The company has stated that 100% of the curators' profits are donated to provide books for students in under-resourced schools.

Keywords: book subscription, non-fiction, personal development, author curators, corporate learning, digital content, e-courses, online community, book summaries, professional development