Startups That Work: Surprising Research on What Makes or Breaks a New Company

by Joel Kurtzman, Glenn Rifkin

Citing a small percentage of startup companies that survive their first year, a guide based on new research with 350 companies and numerous business leaders and investors explains why most startups fail while identifying nine key factors that enable success. 30,000 first printing.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published October 6, 2005

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a bit different than what I expected. It ended up being a more quantitative and data oriented than I had expected, which was great. The book was written around a large longitudinal survey some guys did that examined startups at various stages of their company, to determine what factors early on resulted in success of the startup. This reads as both a helper for people creating their own startup, as well as an informational guide to people investing in startups. Overall, a valuable read.

[Josh Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quantitative look at why some startup companies are successful and perhaps why some fail. Not based on anecdote, but actual business survey data, this book has given me two good leads on what I need to do next to help my business advance.

The book is more focused on startups that are beyond the seed stage, but I think there is still valuable information here for anyone who hopes their startup company will outgrow their living room.

[Wendy Mallon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably one of my least favorite professional books. Lots of data and definitely directed more towards highly technical types of start ups. Not up my alley. Really my only take away, and it was a good reminder, is that all businesses started small!

[Justus · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh its for bigger tech startups. Not to useful for little service guys. Caveat: I did not finish the book. However, I want to get it off my currently reading list.

[Lori Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book on startups for knowledge workers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

[Leandro Pompermaier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I posted my review on my blog (http://pompermaier.wordpress.com/2013...)