8 books every new startup founder should read

When you’re launching a startup, it feels like you’re charting new territory. There’s no roadmap, no guide, no safety net. It’s just you, your idea, and a whole lot of unknowns.

But here’s the thing – you’re not alone. Countless entrepreneurs have been in your shoes before, and many of them have written about their experiences.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of 8 must-read books for every new startup founder. These books aren’t just about business strategies or marketing plans. They’re about resilience, adaptability, and the power of innovative thinking.

So buckle up, future leaders! Let’s dive into the world of wisdom these authors have to offer. It might just help you navigate this wild ride a bit more smoothly.

1) “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries

The startup world is a battlefield. But you don’t need to charge in blindly.

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is your battle guide. It’s one of those books that seems to have been written specifically for new startup founders. It’s a roadmap to building a successful company, but it’s also so much more than that.

Ries introduces the concept of the ‘lean startup’, a methodology that encourages rapid prototyping and emphasizes customer feedback. It’s about learning from your failures and pivoting quickly.

But beyond the strategy, there’s a significant theme in this book that resonates with every entrepreneur – resilience. It’s about standing back up when you’re knocked down and never losing sight of your vision.

Pretty powerful, right?

So if you’re just starting your journey, make this book your first stop. It’ll arm you with the insights and strategies you need to chart your own path to success.

2) “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

Here’s a secret – I used to struggle with understanding the core of my business. The ‘what’ and ‘how’ were clear, but the ‘why’ eluded me.

That’s when I stumbled upon “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, and it completely transformed my perspective.

Sinek suggests that the most successful companies are the ones that have a clear understanding of why they do what they do. It’s not about the product, or the service, or even the profit. It’s about the purpose, cause, or belief that drives every decision.

Reading this book was like turning on a light in a dark room. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. I realized that my ‘why’ was about helping other entrepreneurs navigate the digital world, to embrace technology as a tool for growth rather than an obstacle.

Since then, everything I do is centered around that ‘why’. And let me tell you – it has made all the difference.

3) “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel

“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel is not just another business book. It’s a manifesto for those who dare to dream big and aspire to make something unique.

Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, believes that true innovation happens when we go from ‘zero to one’ rather than from ‘one to n’. In other words, creating something new is far more valuable than simply improving on what already exists.

But here’s the kicker. Did you know that Thiel was also the first outside investor in Facebook? Yep, he saw potential in a young Mark Zuckerberg and his college project, and we all know how that story goes.

In his book, Thiel shares his insights on innovation, competition, and what it takes to start a business that sets the benchmark instead of following it. It’s a must-read for anyone who aspires to disrupt industries and create game-changing products.

4) “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

As a startup founder, you’ll inevitably face challenges that will test your mettle. That’s where “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz comes in.

Horowitz, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of running a startup. He delves into the nitty-gritty of tough decision-making, managing crises, and leading under pressure.

What sets this book apart is its raw honesty. Horowitz shares his own tumultuous experiences with his tech startup Opsware, offering a first-hand account of the highs and lows of the startup journey.

5) “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber

Running a startup is not just about having a groundbreaking idea. It’s also about managing and growing a business effectively. And, let’s be honest, that’s where many of us hit a roadblock.

I remember when I was just starting out, I was overwhelmed by all the different hats I had to wear – from sales and marketing to finance and operations. It felt like I was constantly putting out fires rather than driving my business forward.

That was until I read “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber. This book completely changed my approach towards the business side of things.

Gerber talks about the common misconceptions that many new entrepreneurs have and provides practical advice on how to overcome them. He emphasizes the importance of working on your business, not just in it.

I’ve applied his principles in my own journey, and it has made a world of difference in how I operate and grow my business. So if you’re feeling stuck in the day-to-day operations, give this book a go. It might just provide the perspective shift you need.

6) “Rework” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

If you’re expecting “Rework” to be just another book on business best practices, think again. Authors Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson turn conventional wisdom on its head in this thought-provoking read.

You’ve probably been told that you need to have a detailed business plan, work long hours, and build a strong customer base to be successful. Fried and Hansson argue otherwise.

They believe in starting small, staying lean, and ignoring the competition. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and focusing on what truly matters. They advocate for simplicity over complexity, agility over perfection.

Interestingly, this approach is how they built their own successful software company, Basecamp. They didn’t follow the traditional path; they reworked it.

So if you’re open to challenging the norms and exploring new ways of doing things, “Rework” is definitely worth a read. It might just reshape your understanding of what it takes to run a successful startup.

7) “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen

In the fast-paced world of startups, innovation is king. But what happens when your successful, well-established product is threatened by a new, disruptive technology?

“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen explores this paradox. The book dives deep into how even the most outstanding companies can do everything right and still lose market leadership.

Christensen lays out the challenge for innovators to create, develop, and sustain successful growth. He provides insightful strategies on how to balance the priorities of creating new technologies while capitalizing on existing ones.

This book is a staple read for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of innovation and disruption in business. It offers valuable lessons that can help you anticipate, manage, and capitalize on the changes in the market.

8) “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck

At the crux of every successful entrepreneur is a mindset geared towards growth and learning. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck delves into how our beliefs about our abilities can impact our success.

Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduces the concept of ‘fixed’ and ‘growth’ mindsets. She explains how adopting a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication—can foster resilience and a love for learning, both crucial for the entrepreneurial journey.

The journey of a startup founder is riddled with challenges and setbacks. But having the right mindset can be the difference between buckling under pressure and rising from the ashes stronger than before.

No matter how many strategies or tactics you learn, without the right mindset, your chances of success are significantly limited.

Final thoughts

Reading through these books, you might notice a common thread. They all present a vision of entrepreneurship that goes beyond profits and products. It’s about resilience, innovation, and most importantly, the mindset.

Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” As a new startup founder, your role is not just to manage a business but to lead it towards growth and success.

But remember, growth is more than just scaling your startup. It’s about personal development, learning from your failures, and continuously striving to be better.

Each of these books offers invaluable insights into this journey. They are not just books; they are your companions in the rollercoaster ride that is entrepreneurship.

So take a moment to reflect on this. How do you envision your journey? And more importantly, how will you lead your startup to success?

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And perhaps, for you, that step is picking up one of these books. After all, knowledge is power, and power can move mountains.

So go ahead, start reading, start leading.