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The Unstoppable Startup: Mastering Israel's Secret Rules of Chutzpah
Discover the bold secrets to Israel’s incredible track record of success in this new guide that will help make any startup unstoppable. More than half of all startups fail - often during the crucial early stages of development when they need to prove their viability on a limited budget. However, when it comes to startup success, one country stands Israel. Even though it is a relatively small country, Israel has one of the highest concentrations of startups in the world, has the highest venture capital per capita, is one of the top countries in terms of number of companies listed on NASDAQ, and is well-recognized as a global leader in research and development. In The Unstoppable Startup , veteran venture capitalist Uri Adoni goes behind the scenes to explain the principles and practices that can make any startup, anywhere in the world, become an unstoppable one. Packed with insider accounts from leaders who have realized bold visions, The Unstoppable Startup distills Israeli chutzpah into six operational rules that will help you Adoni implemented these practices throughout his more than 12 years as a venture capitalist for one of Israel's most successful venture funds, and he continues to utilize these same proven startup strategies today in metropolitan areas in the US. The Unstoppable Startup provides readers with insights and operational advice on how to run a startup, and how to overcome challenges?that almost every startup faces.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2020
15 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 30, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book via netgalley!
I liked the hands on examples given within this book. Definitely directed more towards high geared individuals In the startup mentality. Not for someone who doesn’t have a strong audacity/ strength/ mindset...this book will help you understand what is a chuptzah and if
You got it or not. I’m still undecided whether this is something that can be taught to an outsider or if it is something that is part of your culture and inherited.
I liked the hands on examples given within this book. Definitely directed more towards high geared individuals In the startup mentality. Not for someone who doesn’t have a strong audacity/ strength/ mindset...this book will help you understand what is a chuptzah and if
You got it or not. I’m still undecided whether this is something that can be taught to an outsider or if it is something that is part of your culture and inherited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
Uri Adoni is a successful Israeli Venture Capitalist, having worked in many large investment vehicles, including JVP. I was referred to this book by an Israeli friend. A pretty decent read.
This book has two parts. The first part of the book attempts to explain why Israel is the start up capital of the world. The second part demystifies the start up journey, for both start up companies and investors, with plenty of advice. For this alone, young people and those unfamiliar with the start up field should read this. Its an all in guide.
But the first part requires a little more thought. Its too simplistic to just attribute Israel's success to its "Chutzpah" - a cultural trait that combines confidence with risk taking. It is true that Israelis are a unique argumentative, democratic bunch and that this helps. But consider some additional structural factors:
1. The IDF. The military is responsible for many start ups. Many I have encountered are born from friendships and common work experiences from the IDF, in particular from specialised units like 8200, 9900, 504 and the paratroopers - self selected because the best and the brightest go there. The innovative, sometimes dangerous work that they do, bonds them in a way that few other work environments do. This team sprit, galvanised through military experience, is certainly a force multiplier in a start up.
2. The government support in the flow of technology. Israel invests heavily in R&D in particular for defence. It has built up an enviable network of agencies and schemes - Technion, Talpiot - to seed new knowledge. But Israel takes an additional liberal step. It allows its people to take new technology, paid for by taxpayers money, to market. Many IDF officers actually admit that the technology they work on originated from the military. I have asked if they have to license these or pay royalties. They say no. Its given to those who dare.
3. The Jewish disapora, particularly in the US, allows the flow of goodwill, money and talent both ways, making it far easier for Israeli companies to penetrate the world's biggest markets. This privilege is not afforded to many nations and is a significant advantage. I doubt Israeli companies can do the same in China where the disapora is small.
Of course, there are many smart people in Israel, which is a pre-requisite for global success.
This book has two parts. The first part of the book attempts to explain why Israel is the start up capital of the world. The second part demystifies the start up journey, for both start up companies and investors, with plenty of advice. For this alone, young people and those unfamiliar with the start up field should read this. Its an all in guide.
But the first part requires a little more thought. Its too simplistic to just attribute Israel's success to its "Chutzpah" - a cultural trait that combines confidence with risk taking. It is true that Israelis are a unique argumentative, democratic bunch and that this helps. But consider some additional structural factors:
1. The IDF. The military is responsible for many start ups. Many I have encountered are born from friendships and common work experiences from the IDF, in particular from specialised units like 8200, 9900, 504 and the paratroopers - self selected because the best and the brightest go there. The innovative, sometimes dangerous work that they do, bonds them in a way that few other work environments do. This team sprit, galvanised through military experience, is certainly a force multiplier in a start up.
2. The government support in the flow of technology. Israel invests heavily in R&D in particular for defence. It has built up an enviable network of agencies and schemes - Technion, Talpiot - to seed new knowledge. But Israel takes an additional liberal step. It allows its people to take new technology, paid for by taxpayers money, to market. Many IDF officers actually admit that the technology they work on originated from the military. I have asked if they have to license these or pay royalties. They say no. Its given to those who dare.
3. The Jewish disapora, particularly in the US, allows the flow of goodwill, money and talent both ways, making it far easier for Israeli companies to penetrate the world's biggest markets. This privilege is not afforded to many nations and is a significant advantage. I doubt Israeli companies can do the same in China where the disapora is small.
Of course, there are many smart people in Israel, which is a pre-requisite for global success.
September 9, 2023
A good read for those interested in technology entrepreneurship and raising capital.
The biggest takeaway is obviously that chutzpah is an incredibly valuable trait to develop and encourage in my life and company culture. This was the centerpiece of the first half of the book, and if you're not interested in the mechanics of funding tech startups, you'll have gotten your time's worth from reading this far.
The lessons about how to start a successful tech startup outside the US were enlightening to me as an American, and would also prove important for someone who is actually doing so.
The latter half of the book provides detailed instructions about exactly what to do and how to do it when seeking capital or forming a new incubator or venture capital fund would probably be invaluable to someone starting in that field.
The biggest takeaway is obviously that chutzpah is an incredibly valuable trait to develop and encourage in my life and company culture. This was the centerpiece of the first half of the book, and if you're not interested in the mechanics of funding tech startups, you'll have gotten your time's worth from reading this far.
The lessons about how to start a successful tech startup outside the US were enlightening to me as an American, and would also prove important for someone who is actually doing so.
The latter half of the book provides detailed instructions about exactly what to do and how to do it when seeking capital or forming a new incubator or venture capital fund would probably be invaluable to someone starting in that field.
January 28, 2024
I was asked to read this book for a work trip and it was very interesting. We are headed to Israel for a Global MBA requirement and so we will experience start-ups in Israel first-hand when we arrive with company visits. This was a great lead up to that. The author did a great job talking about all different types of tech start-ups and how Israel is positioned so well to help build them. He overviews the people and the qualities that make good start-up leaders and then shows through examples.
The beginning of the book is all about Israeli chutzpah and how the people can be a bit different than those in other parts of the world and how it works in their advantage. He then talks about start ups the rules to help you and then gives lots of detail about how to go about certain aspects. Even if you aren't in Israel I think this would be a great book for those interested in learning how to build a start-up and what it might entail, both the good and bad.
The beginning of the book is all about Israeli chutzpah and how the people can be a bit different than those in other parts of the world and how it works in their advantage. He then talks about start ups the rules to help you and then gives lots of detail about how to go about certain aspects. Even if you aren't in Israel I think this would be a great book for those interested in learning how to build a start-up and what it might entail, both the good and bad.
March 24, 2021
I read the book with pleasure.
The book that describes the secrets of the success of Israeli high-tech and is not only enjoyable to read but also a guide and gives practical advice to both entrepreneurs and investors.
Excellent book!
The book that describes the secrets of the success of Israeli high-tech and is not only enjoyable to read but also a guide and gives practical advice to both entrepreneurs and investors.
Excellent book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews