Experts Tell Us the Best Books On Startup Funding

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2 years ago
This article showcases our top picks for Books On Startup Funding. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below). We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.

The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

This product was recommended by David Wurst from WebCitz

This book serves as a realistic guide for startup entrepreneurs on how they can position their new company in the market, create an effective business plan, and raise capital. The book primarily focuses on the venture capital approach by providing insightful tips to people who consider starting a business. The author, Kawasaki, is known for his straightforward approach to running a business.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

This product was recommended by David Wurst from WebCitz

For startup entrepreneurs, this is a wonderful read as it can set an incredible foundation based on validated learnings. In terms of funding, the book focuses on risk mitigation by introducing a scientific method to innovation. Another thing worth noting is that it is geared toward helping startups create a sustainable business model.

Get Backed by Evan Baehr

This product was recommended by David Wurst from WebCitz

This is a bible for entrepreneurs who are raising money for their startups. It’s absolutely recommended for tech startups, and incredibly helpful for SMBs and non-profit organizations. The book gives tips on how they can effectively tell a story and how to find and connect with funders using your network. This also describes different types of funding and provides successful pitch deck samples the entrepreneur can model their pitch after.

The Business of Venture Capital by Mahendra Ramsinghani

This product was recommended by Sudhir Khatwani from The Money Mongers

Anyone who is planning to raise funds, structuring investments, needs help with portfolio management, and exists should read this book, The Business of Venture Capital by Mahendra Ramsinghani. The book is full of great information. It offers a fresh perspective on the Softbank effect, career paths for young professionals, case studies, etc. The readers are guided through each stage of the VC process, supported by companion websites containing tools such as the LP-GP Fund due diligence checklist and more. The book is designed for experienced practitioners, angels, devils, and novices alike. It also helps in identifying the key attributes of a VC professional and the arc of an investor’s career, covers the art of raising a venture fund, and more.

The Private Equity Playbook by Adam Coffey

This product was recommended by John Davis from Rinzo

Private equity firms Book will be a good fit for entrepreneurs looking to raise startup funding. Adam Coffey, who worked with private equity firms as both an executive and an entrepreneur, reveals his winning C-suite strategies for starting and scaling businesses using private equity. After spending time with this playbook, I’m sure that private equity could be the answer to many entrepreneurs’ fundraising problems.

Six Figure Crowd Funding by Derek Miller

This product was recommended by John Davis from Rinzo

Entrepreneurs have discovered that they can use the internet to raise money for their business concepts. Crowdfunding is a process that has helped many founders pay for employees, materials, research and more. Derek Miller provides secrets and tips that have turned ordinary dreamers into hugely successful crowdfunders. I found Miller’s humor-meets-cynicism , down-to-earth style perfectly suited to explaining such a meaty, essential topic.

Venture Deals by Brad Feld

This product was recommended by Chip Paul from GnuPharma Corp

Get an education from Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson, two seasoned dealmakers who have been in the industry for decades. Writing for would-be founders and investors, Venture Deals reads like a breezier graduate-level textbook. The author breaks the jargon and reaches the heart of how venture capitalists and entrepreneurs develop respectful and lucrative arrangements that please everyone.

Government Incentives by Gil Gonzales

This product was recommended by John Davis from Rinzo

Government Incentives is a book by Gil Gonzales, which describes how to obtain government funding for your business. I found this book very interesting, as it opens my mind to new ideas about how small businesses can get started without having to rely only on private investment.

Secrets of Sand Hill Road by Scott Kupor

This product was recommended by Dan Farrant from Hello Music Theory

This book gives amazing insight on how to snag startup funding in a simple yet effective method of writing. Easier to read and interpret, this one is a must-read for anyone who has their eyes on startups. Kupor writes with a noble goal of democratizing opportunity that gives the readers a systematic outlook on the know-how of startup finding.

Fundraising by Ryan Breslow

This product was recommended by Jessica Alderson from So Syncd

The best book I have read on startup funding is ‘Fundraising’ by Ryan Breslow in which he shares tips that he has learned over many funding rounds. I recommend it to all of my entrepreneur friends who are looking to raise money for their startup. It covers all of the key topics to maximize your chance of success, from the importance of building a network to how to run a tight process and create a sense of urgency, which is crucial when fundraising. It completely changed my perspective of fundraising and it will help you avoid mistakes that are made by founders time and time again.

How to Crack The Funding Code by Judy Robinet

This product was recommended by Christina Russo from The Kitchen Community

It was written to teach entrepreneurs and business people how to think the same way as investors do when they look at the plans for a start-up, and how to critically assess the ideas and blueprints for a start-up in the same way as its potential backers do. It’s an indispensable guide to shaping and forging a plan that will appeal to investors and help you to finally find the financial backing that you’ve always dreamed about. If you want to ensure that your start-up is fitted with the wings that it’ll need to fly, then you need to read this book.

The Startup Funding Book by Nicolaj Højer Nielsen

This product was recommended by Lori Taylor from The Produce Moms

The Startup Funding Book: Are you an entrepreneur, looking for investors to take your venture to the next level? Do you want to start a business and wonder where to get the funds? The Startup Funding Book is one of the best books for an entrepreneur who wants to seek experts’ advice on startup funding and this book reveals: – Where to find investors and the best approaches to win their support? – What investors are looking for but won’t tell you? – How do persuade banks, business angels, VCs, and public funders? – Insider tips for compiling material that satisfies investors. – Little-known strategies that will boost your success. Written by start-up funding expert Nicolaj Højer Nielsen, this book offers practical solutions and guides you step by step to secure the funds you need.

Pitch Anything By Oren Klaff

This product was recommended by Zarina Bahadur from 123 Baby Box

Pitching is an essential skill for entrepreneurs, and the better you are at it, the better your chances are at raising capital. If there’s one book to read about how to deliver the perfect pitch, it’s Pitch Anything. Klaff has spent almost two decades using his unique pitching methods – detailed in the book – to raise over $400 million in investments.

Six Figure Crowdfunding by Derek Miller

This product was recommended by Chun-Kai (CK) Wang from Snake IO

Six Figure Crowdfunding: The No Bullsh*t Guide to Running a Life-Changing Campaign by Derek Miller: Kickstarter’s Derek Miller shares secrets and tips that have turned ordinary dreamers into hugely successful crowdfunders.

Funding Secrets Hacked by Travis Toussaint

This product was recommended by Erin Mastopietro from Dope Dog

In Funding Secrets Hacked, Travis Toussaint looks at raising capital through the lens of business credit. He talks about ways to leverage decent or excellent credit, proving that founders have more available roads to funding than well-traveled ones.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

This product was recommended by Ellie Walters from FindPeopleFaster

With their combined knowledge and experience, the writers help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the startup industry. The book shows businesspeople how to break out of a rut, develop ground-breaking ideas or technologies, and start a company that transforms both the business environment and the whole planet.

Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

This product was recommended by Ellie Walters from FindPeopleFaster

A candid description of the difficulties of starting and growing a business is provided by Rand Fishkin. The book forgoes the glamour of the story of the instant success in favor of the truth that operating a successful company takes years of toil and careful planning.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

This product was recommended by Ellie Walters from FindPeopleFaster

In his book, Horowitz details the challenges of starting a business as well as the difficult decisions that CEOs and founders must make. The book addresses issues including letting go of a beloved leader, addressing underperforming team members, reducing workplace politics, and finding a healthy balance between responsibility and creativity.

The Art of Startup Fundraising by Alejandro Cremades

This product was recommended by Loran Marmes from Medicare Solutions Team

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to startup funding, The Art of Startup Fundraising by Alejandro Cremades is an excellent choice. Covering everything from pitching investors to negotiating the deal, this book provides a detailed roadmap for successfully raising capital. Cremades is a experienced entrepreneur himself, and he draws on his first-hand knowledge to offer practical advice on a wide range of topics. In addition, the book includes case studies of successful (and unsuccessful) fundraising campaigns, giving readers a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities of startup fundraising. I hope you find this contribution helpful. I would gladly share this to my network.

Mastering the VC Game by Jeff Bussgang

This product was recommended by Luke Lee from PalaLeather

This book is a great read for anyone looking for advice on startup funding. In it, Bussgang draws on his experience as a venture capitalist to provide insights into the world of startup financing. He explains the different stages of funding and how to approach each one, from seed funding to Series A and beyond. He also offers advice on how to negotiate with investors and structure deals that are favorable to your company. Perhaps most importantly, Bussgang emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with your investors. By taking the time to get to know them and understand their goals, you can create a partnership that will help your business thrive. Whether you’re just getting started in the startup world or you’re looking for ways to take your business to the next level, Mastering the VC Game is an essential read.

Raising Capital by Andrew J. Sherman

This product was recommended by Michael Haas from AngryBBQ

Authored by Andrew J. Sherman, a corporate and transactional lawyer, ‘Raising Capital’ walks readers through jump-starting a business by first creating capital. It explores actionable strategies to overcome challenges at each stage of the growth cycle and identifies the tools for developing business plans, preparing loan proposals, and outlining offering materials, among many others. Through ‘Raising Capital,’ neophyte entrepreneurs can learn where to find the best sources of financing, how to treat their investors with respect, understand legal documents, and gain resilience as they journey towards obtaining funds to launch and sustain their business.

Investable Entrepreneur by James Church

This product was recommended by Dave McCurdy from Eco Driving USA

When it comes to pitching, clarity is key. Too many brilliant business ideas are killed by poor communication, which leaves potential investors unable to understand the very basics of the business. Author James Church sets out ‘The Six Principles of the Perfect Pitch’. A proven process that will make your funding pitch powerful, get you noticed, generate interest and have investors queuing up to help you succeed. This book will help you understand the mind of an investor and what they are really looking for.

Investor Ready by Julie Barber

This product was recommended by Caitlyn Parish from Cicinia

Julie Barber shares her proven six-step process and covers everything you need from communicating your vision through to ensuring you have the right structure and scalability of your startup to showcase your company at its best and wow your potential investors. Aside from that, the six Investor Ready steps outlined in this book will also enable you to: – Prove your Market fit and impact – Provide business Numbers that give investors confidence – Build your ideal Investor Profile and find investors who match it – Create a Pitch and Business Plan that will wow potential investors

Behind the Cloud by Marc Benioff

This product was recommended by Benjamin Basic from Fast Food Menu Prices

It is the story of Ssalesforce.com and how Marc Benioff and his team built a world-caliber company before the term “In the cloud” existed. Since its beginning, Salesforce.com has been a leader in innovation. This book details the company’s unhindered journey to success, exemplifying how you can use the unique qualities of your business to generate massive revenue. This book is an excellent resource for making your business stand out under any circumstance. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner, you should never stop looking for ways to make your business grow. Examine your strengths and weaknesses and find the areas you wish to grow in. Perhaps you want to learn how to budget better, or maybe you want to strengthen your business structure. Whichever aspect of your business you wish to improve, there is a book to help you do it.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried

This product was recommended by Benjamin Basic from Fast Food Menu Prices

It can feel like the only examples of businesses we see being praised are the bad ones. There are many companies where the workers work so many hours every week, or the bosses demand too much. That isn’t how I want to build a business, and it’s not how I want to work. And maybe I’m just being wishful here, but this book details how the authors created a calm work environment at their company. So if you find that you’re stuck believing in the hustle, maybe this is a book that can help you rethink the business environment.

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