If you’re looking for a list of the best startup business books, then you’re in the right place!
Whatever kind of startup advice or inspiration you’re looking for, here’s a list of the best startup books , by category that will surely help you in your startup journey, recommended by successful entrepreneurs:
For learning the basics of the startup world (essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs)
1. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
My favorite business book of all time is a quick read (it’s only about 200 pages) and it’s full of actionable advice, with short chapters that make it easy to digest. Rework will show you that many of the traditional rules of starting and running a business are outdated and counterproductive. This book will challenge your assumptions and change the way you think about business. Because there are so many business startup books, and a plethora of information in the startup world, beginning with Rework will help you to decide how you want to approach your entrepreneurial journey. Get Rework HERE
2. Dear Founder by Maynard Webb
In this book, Maynard Webb, former COO of Ebay and current Chairman of the Board at Yahoo!, gives advice to startup founders based on his years of experience in the tech industry. He covers topics such as how to raise money, how to build a strong team, how to deal with stress and anxiety, and how to manage your time and energy. Webb’s advice is straightforward and actionable, and his insights are invaluable for any startup founder. Get Dear Founder HERE
3. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to build a successful startup, and a perennial on best startup business books lists. Ries shares his experiences from working in Silicon Valley startups, and provides a framework for how to create and iterate on new products or services. Get The Lean Startup HERE
4. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Horowitz’s book is perfect for entrepreneurs who are experiencing difficult times with their startup. The book offers a lot of great advice on how to deal with these challenges, and how to turn a struggling company around. Get The Hard Thing About Hard Things HER
5. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
In this book, Thiel offers his insights on what it takes to create something new and valuable in the world. He argues that we’re living in a time where there are fewer opportunities for new businesses to be truly disruptive, so it’s more important than ever to think big. Get Zero to One HERE
6. The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf
This is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to build a startup. The book walks you through every step of the process, from coming up with an idea to turning it into a successful business. Get The Startup Owner’s Manual HERE
7. The Lean Entrepreneur by Brant Cooper and Patrick Vlaskovits
This book is all about how to apply the lean startup methodology to your business. The authors offer a step-by-step guide for how to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and get feedback from customers. Get The Lean Entrepreneur HERE
8. The Outsiders by William Thorndike
In this book, Thorndike profiles eight successful CEOs who have all outperformed the market. He looks at what made these leaders successful, and how they were able to create value in their companies. Get The Outsiders HERE
For inspiration (stories about the ups and downs of startup life)
9. The Upstarts by Brad Stone
This book tells the story of how two young entrepreneurs, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, disrupted the taxi industry with their company Uber. It’s a fascinating look at how a startup can succeed by challenging the status quo. Get The Upstarts HERE
10. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This is the authorized biography of Steve Jobs, one of the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs of our time. The book chronicles Jobs’s life, from his childhood to his time as the CEO of Apple. It’s an inspiring story of how he changed the world with his vision and creativity. Get Steve Jobs HERE
11. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
This is the story of how Nike founder Phil Knight created one of the most successful brands in the world. It’s an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, and a must-read for anyone who wants to start their own business. Get Shoe Dog HERE
12. The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
In this book, Isaacson tells the story of how some of the most important tech companies were started, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft. He looks at the people who created these companies, and how they changed the world with their innovations. Get The Innovators HERE
13. The Startup Way by Eric Ries
In this book, Ries shares his experiences from working in startups, and provides a framework for how to create and iterate on new products or services. Get The Startup Way HERE
Startup Business Books For learning how to be a great leader
14. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
In this book, Brown offers her insights on what it takes to be a great leader. She argues that the best leaders are those who are vulnerable and authentic, and who dare to lead with courage. Get Dare to Lead HERE
For mindset and inspiration
15. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
In this classic book, Coelho tells the story of a young shepherd who goes on a journey to find a treasure. Along the way, he learns about the power of following your dreams, and the importance of pursuing your passions. Get The Alchemist HERE
16. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
In this book, Winfrey shares her insights on life, love, and success. She offers her wisdom on how to live your best life, and how to create your own destiny. Get What I Know For Sure HERE
17. The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer
In this book, Dyer explores the idea that we can create our own reality through our thoughts and intentions. He provides a framework for how to set and achieve goals, and how to live a more fulfilling life. Get The Power of Intention HERE
Startup Business Books For understanding how startups are financed (and what VCs are really looking for)
18. The Art of Startup Fundraising by Alejandro Cremades
This book is a comprehensive guide to raising startup funding. Cremades covers everything from what investors are looking for, to how to structure your pitch, to the best way to use crowdfunding platforms. He also provides templates and resources that will save you time and make the fundraising process less daunting. Get The Art of Startup Fundraising HERE
For examples of successfully-funded startups, visit our 25 Essential SaaS Pitch Decks for Startups and 25 Fintech Pitch Decks by VC-Funded Startups.
19. Venture Deals by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
This is the bible for mastering the vc game. Feld and Mendelson share their years of experience in the VC world, and offer insights on how to negotiate deals, structure equity (e.g. SAFE vs. Convertible Notes, etc.), and more. If you’re looking to raise money from VCs, this book is a must-read. Get Venture Deals HERE
20. Startup Seed Funding for the Rest of Us by Mike Belsito
This book is a great resource for anyone who’s not raising money from institutional investors. Belsito covers alternative sources of funding, such as grants, angel investors, and crowdfunding. He also offers practical advice on how to approach potential investors and get them to say “yes.” Get Startup Seed Funding for the Rest of Us HERE
Startup Business Books For building and managing a great team:
21. Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
This book is all about building a great team for your startup. Smart and Street share their “Four Decisions Framework,” which will help you make sure you’re hiring the right people for the right roles. They also offer insights on how to retain top talent and keep your team engaged. Get Who HERE
22. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable’ by Patrick Lencioni
In this business fable, Lencioni shares the story of a CEO who is trying to turn her company around by addressing the five dysfunctions that plague most teams: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Get The Five Dysfunctions of a Team HERE
23. The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t by Robert Sutton
In this book, you’ll learn how to handle mean people in your startup. The book offers different strategies for dealing with difficult people, and that’s very important for startup founders in building their company culture. Get The No Asshole Rule HERE.
24. TeamWork by Natalie Dawson
Building the right team is essential to the startup founder becoming a success in the business world. In her book, Natalie Dawson tells how to create a culture so you can attract the right people and build an incredible company. Get TeamWork HERE
For building a scalable business
24. From Impossible To Inevitable: How Hyper-Growth Companies Create Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin
In this book, Ross and Lemkin share their secrets for achieving hyper-growth. They offer insights on how to create a predictable sales pipeline, build a world-class sales team, and scale your business. If you’re looking to take your startup to the next level, this book is a must-read. Get From Impossible To Inevitable HERE
Startup Business Books For growth hacking
26. Hooked by Nir Eyal
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to build a product that people can’t put down. Eyal shares his “Hook Model,” which is a framework that startup founders can use to create products that are addictive. He also offers insights on how to create triggers that will keep people coming back for more. Get Hooked HERE
27. Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday
In this book, Holiday shares the story of how he took a startup from zero to millions of users in just a few months. He also offers insights on how to grow your business using growth hacking techniques. If you’re looking for explosive customer growth, this book is a must-read. Get Growth Hacker Marketing HERE
28. Explosive Growth by Cliff Lerner
Speaking of explosive growth: in this book, Lerner shares the story of how he took his startup from zero to one million users in just six months. He also offers insights on how to use growth hacking techniques to grow radically successful businesses. Get Explosive Growth HERE
For overcoming adversity
29. Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang
In this book, Jiang shares his story of how he overcame his fear of rejection by deliberately putting himself in situations where he would be rejected. He also offers insights on how to deal with rejection in a healthy way so that it doesn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. Get Rejection Proof HERE
30. She Made It: The Toolkit for Female Founders in the Digital Age by Angelica Malin
This book tells a real-life story of becoming an entrepreneur, with how-to’s on hiring and raising money. Angelica Malin openly shares her challenges of being a female founder and how she overcame them. Get She Made It: The Toolkit for Female Founders HERE
31. Beating the Odds: Eddie Brown’s Investing and Life Strategy by Eddie C. Brown
This book is about how to create wealth and build a legacy, by investing in people and communities. Get Beating the Odds: Eddie Brown’s Investing and Life Strategy HERE
For avoiding failure
32. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen
is known to be one of the best startup books, Christensen discusses why most startups fail when new technologies disrupt their industries. He offers a framework for how to avoid this fate, and shares stories of companies that have been able to successfully navigate change. Get The Innovator’s Dilemma HERE
Bottom Line
There you have it: The 25 Best Business Startup Books Every Founder Should Read in 2022. These books cover a wide range of topics, from team building and growth hacking to overcoming adversity and avoiding failure. So whether you’re just getting started on your startup journey or you’re looking to take your business to the next level, there’s a book on this list for you. Happy reading!
Looking for more startup resources? Check out the other articles in our blog FoundersGoHere.com
