Read. Thrive.

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► Among Bestsellers

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Upstream
The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen
Dan Heath

We debated about whether to list Upstream in our Venture Development section, in part because it is more about behavioral science than it is the process of running of startup. But we were swayed by the argument that great business ideas often take root when trying to sort out a problem. In this book, the author frames that process proactively, rather than reactivity. In one of his most sweeping examples, he explains how Iceland was able to materially reduce substance abuse among its youth in part by changing the structure and focus of its after-school sports clubs. More pragmatically for the entrepreneur, the book excels in its argument that going upstream simply helps to use limited assets more efficiently. That point is relevant to all companies, but especially startups. Why spend human and capital resources in ways that are not aligned with your core value proposition? Upstream was shipped to distributors in February 2020, just prior to the onslaught of the pandemic. The application of the approach to the global public-health crisis is both timely and uncanny.

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Selection by Category

► Banking and Finance

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The Future of Finance
The Impact of FinTech, AI, and Crypto on Financial Services
Henri Arslanian and Fabrice Fischer

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► Carbon Capture

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The Future of Finance
The Impact of FinTech, AI, and Crypto on Financial Services
Henri Arslanian and Fabrice Fischer

► Consumer Startups

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Basementality
How This Entrepreneur Drove His Fight Against Big Sugar…
Ben Weiss

The super-size challenge in launching a consumer brand is tackling the behemoths in the retail industry, whether beverages, food, or cosmetics. Ben Weiss managed to do just that with his Bai brand of health drinks, starting the company in his basement, but then selling this business for $1.7 billion to what was then known as Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. More than a story of a retail product, Basementality is the story of an entrepreneur’s journey, starting in his basement. “The basement was not only the place where Bai was born, it was the inspiration for seven-plus years of blood, sweat, tears, and joy.” The book is more than mere hyperbole about success, though. Readers will appreciate the American-style candor of the story, including his deeply-personal thoughts about building his company. Among other highlights, the book proves that Silicon Valley does not have an exclusive on the startup experience. Our affinity for the book admittedly falls to author’s ‘black sheep” mindset in his life role as a risk taker.

► Digital Publishing

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Basementality
How This Entrepreneur Drove His Fight Against Big Sugar…
Ben Weiss

► Farm Innovation

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Big Chicken
The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture…
Maryn McKenna

► Fashion Brands

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Big Chicken
The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture…
Maryn McKenna

► Film Finance

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Entertainment Finance Today
How to Successfully Produce, Finance, and Distribute Film and Television Projects
Jeanette Miio

► Medical Biotechnology

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Entertainment Finance Today
How to Successfully Produce, Finance, and Distribute Film and Television Projects
Jeanette Miio

► New Fund Managers

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A Guide to Starting Your Own Hedge Fund
Erik Serrano Berntsen and John Thompson

► Space Commerce

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Space Exploration
A History in 100 Objects
Sten Odenwald

► Startup Ecosystems

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Uncanny Valley
A Memoir
Anna Wiener

fundraising studio

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The Evergreen Startup
The Entrepreneur’s Playbook For Everything From Venture Capital To Equity Crowdfunding
Michael Burtov

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Zero to Sold
How to Start, Run, and Sell a Bootstrapped Business
Arvid Kahl

novel worldview

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Uncanny Valley
A Memoir
Anna Wiener

Book reviews are copyrighted material and may not be used or duplicated without written permission.

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Get Your Startup Story Straight
The Definitive Storytelling Framework for Innovators and Entrepreneurs
David Riemer

Entrepreneurs may be best served when raising capital by focusing on their story. Investors remember stories in ways that they do not remember numbers. This book is a concise approach to what it means to develop a business story, in particular the founder’s story.

Surprisingly, too many entrepreneurs take a casual approach to this essential communications tool. The author affirms that story development is a skill that takes time to develop and refine, offering guidance on how to build a voice of distinction. One core take-away: Those leaders who do not dedicate themselves to this art form are undermining their chances for success.

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Indistractable
How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
Nir Eyal

Nir Eyal had had his first publishing success with Hooked, a go-to book for addictive tech design. His follow-up takes us in the opposite direction, offering a type of self-help guide on avoiding workday distractions. The author is informed by his work-from-home experience. The tips explored here may best appeal to entrepreneurs with unstructured environments.

They are less effective for corporate citizens with upstream and downstream accountabilities. Regardless, the book offers an important reminder that we do not have to be tethered to technology. We can and should control the incessant allure of email, web browsers, and social media.

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VC
An American History
Tom Nicholas

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Selections on this page can also be found in our online store. We spotlight works that are relevant to economic news and investment trends. This virtual outlet sprouted from frustration with finding important books amid the cacophony of major internet vendors.

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