7 Must-Read Books for Every Founder and Entrepreneur

So, you’re either dreaming of starting your own business or already in the thick of it, navigating the wild world of entrepreneurship. Either way, I’m excited to share a list of seven books that have been absolute game-changers for me. These aren’t just random picks - they’re books that have helped me tackle some of the toughest challenges in building a business, and I think they’ll do the same for you.

Two of these books, The Cold Start Problem and The Mom Test, are my personal favorites. They’ve saved me from countless headaches and changed the way i looked at analysing and solving problems, and I’m betting they’ll do the same for you. I’ve also included books that speak to small business owners, niche e-commerce entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to master the art of entrepreneurship. Each one solves a specific problem, and I’ll walk you through why they’re worth your time. Let’s get started!

1. The Cold Start Problem by Andrew Chen - My best book recommendation for founders

Why I Love It

If you’re building something like a social network, marketplace, or app where the value grows as more people use it, this book is your bible. The Cold Start Problem by Andrew Chen, a venture capitalist who’s worked with some of the biggest tech companies, dives into the challenge of launching a networked product. The “cold start problem” is all about getting those first users when your platform is basically a ghost town. Trust me, it’s trickier than it sounds, but Andrew makes it feel doable.

The Problem It Solves

How do you convince people to join your platform when there’s no one else there yet? Andrew breaks it down with a framework for creating “magic moments” that keep users coming back and inviting others. He also talks about “atomic networks”- small, engaged groups that can kickstart your growth. For example, if you’re launching a local service app, you might focus on one neighborhood to build momentum. This book opened my eyes to how companies like Tinder and Airbnb got off the ground.

Why It’s Essential

What I love about this book is how practical it is. Andrew uses real-world examples from companies like Slack and Reddit to show you exactly how to apply his strategies. If you’re in tech or building a platform that relies on network effects, this book will give you a clear roadmap to get started.

2. The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick

Why I Love It

This book is my go-to for figuring out if a business idea is actually worth pursuing. The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick is all about getting honest feedback from potential customers without falling into the trap of hearing what you want to hear. I’ve made the mistake of pitching ideas to friends and family who just nod and say, “That’s great!” - but Rob taught me how to dig deeper.

The Problem It Solves

The title comes from the idea that even your mom will tell you your idea is awesome, but that doesn’t mean it’s viable. Rob shows you how to ask questions that reveal what people really need, focusing on their past behaviors rather than hypothetical promises. For example, instead of asking, “Would you use this app?” you ask, “When was the last time you dealt with this problem?” It’s a game-changer for validating ideas without wasting time or money.

Why It’s Essential

This book has saved me from chasing ideas that sounded good but didn’t have real demand. If you’re in the early stages of your business, this is a must-read to make sure you’re building something people actually want.

3. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Why I Love It

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a classic that changed how I think about building a business. Eric introduced the world to the “build-measure-learn” loop, which is like the scientific method for startups. It’s all about starting small, testing your ideas, and iterating based on real feedback.

The Problem It Solves

Too many startups burn through cash building something nobody wants. Eric’s approach is to create a minimum viable product (MVP), get it in front of customers, and learn from their reactions. It’s about minimizing waste and making sure every step you take is backed by data. I’ve used this method to pivot ideas that weren’t working, and it’s saved me a ton of time.

Why It’s Essential

This book is perfect for tech startups or anyone innovating in a new space, but the principles apply to any business. It’s a mindset shift that helps you stay agile and focused on what really matters.

4. Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Why I Love It

Zero to One by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, is a bit more philosophical, but it’s inspiring as heck. Peter argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new - going from “zero to one”- rather than just improving what’s already out there. It’s a call to think big and aim for something groundbreaking.

The Problem It Solves

In crowded markets, it’s easy to get stuck competing on price or features. Peter challenges you to find untapped opportunities where you can create a monopoly in a new market. He also shares insights on what makes a great company, like having a unique technology or a strong brand. This book pushed me to think beyond incremental improvements and dream bigger.

Why It’s Essential

If you’re the kind of entrepreneur who wants to disrupt an industry or create something totally new, this book will light a fire under you. It’s less about step-by-step tactics and more about shifting your perspective to build something truly unique.

5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Why I Love It

This book is a lifesaver for small business owners like me. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber debunks the myth that being good at something means you can run a business around it. He explains that a business needs three roles: the entrepreneur (visionary), the manager (organizer), and the technician (doer). Most of us get stuck as the technician, doing all the work ourselves, which leads to burnout.

The Problem It Solves

Michael teaches you how to build systems so your business can run without you being there every second. He introduces the idea of a “turn-key” business, where everything is documented and standardized. This was a wake-up call for me - I realized I needed to work on my business, not just in it.

Why It’s Essential

If you’re running a small business or thinking about starting one, this book will help you avoid the trap of being a one-person show. It’s all about building something sustainable and scalable.

6. Ecommerce Evolved by Tanner Larsson

Why I Love It

For anyone in the e-commerce game, Ecommerce Evolved by Tanner Larsson is a goldmine. Tanner is a successful e-commerce entrepreneur, and he shares his playbook for building and scaling online businesses. It’s practical, no-nonsense advice that you can start using right away.

The Problem It Solves

E-commerce is a crowded space, and standing out is tough. Tanner covers everything from picking high-demand products to optimizing your sales funnel and leveraging platforms like Shopify and Amazon. He also shares tips on automating operations so you can scale without losing your mind.

Why It’s Essential

If you’re selling products online or thinking about it, this book is your roadmap to success. It’s especially great for niche e-commerce businesses where you need to be strategic to compete.

7. Built to Sell by John Warrillow

Why I Love It

Built to Sell by John Warrillow is all about creating a business that’s attractive to buyers, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. John argues that by building a business that can run without you, you’re making it more valuable and sustainable.

The Problem It Solves

A lot of businesses are too dependent on their founders, which makes them hard to sell (or even take a vacation from). John outlines how to create a business with strong systems, a loyal customer base, and consistent revenue - qualities that buyers love. I’ve used his advice to streamline my own operations, and it’s made a huge difference.

Why It’s Essential

Even if selling isn’t on your radar, this book will help you build a better business. It’s about creating something with lasting value, not just for you but for anyone who might take over in the future.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it - my top seven books for founders and entrepreneurs. Each one tackles a different piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle, from launching networked products to validating ideas, scaling startups, and building businesses that last. I’ve poured my heart into this list because these books have genuinely helped me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Start with one or two that resonate with where you’re at in your journey, and I promise you’ll find insights that make a difference. If you’ve got other favorite books or tips, I’d love to hear them - let’s keep the conversation going! Happy reading, and here’s to building something amazing.

Got a book you think other entrepreneurs should read? Let me know - karthiksake@growthnursery.com