Surviving a Startup: Practical Strategies for Starting a Business, Overcoming Obstacles, and Coming Out on Top

by Steven S. Hoffman

Steve Hoffman, CEO of Founders Space, prepares entrepreneurs to avoid mistakes, overcome obstacles, and master the skills necessary to make the right choices along their path to success. The fact is, over 90 percent of all new startups fail. Every entrepreneur must face this harsh reality and learn to master it if they hope to survive and wind up on top. In Surviving a Startup , Hoffman brings readers on a wild ride, sharing with them the tumultuous journey of launching a venture-funded startup and revealing what it takes to make it. In this one-of-a-kind guide, you will As the captain of one of the world's leading startup incubators and accelerators, Steve knows what it's like to be on the front lines, how tough it can get when the battle turns against the entrepreneur, and what it takes to taste victory and overcome seemingly impossible odds. Surviving a Startup is a must read for entrepreneurs considering taking the best first steps for a new venture.

Genres: Business, Startup, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Lyne Noella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Hoffman has lived every aspect of entrepreneurship and generously shares actionable ideas and advice to entrepreneurs looking to break through. This book covers the essentials of starting up a business, attracting investors, hiring a team, and marketing your business to make the most of every opportunity. Steve Hoffman addresses questions and issues that commonly confront entrepreneurs and provides guidance on avoiding costly mistakes. This book is an excellent roadmap for new as well as experienced entrepreneurs.

[Tiesha Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think you’ve got what it takes to forge the next multi-billion dollar business?

Get the upper hand from Steven 'Captain Hoff' Hoffman, CEO of Founders Space and veteran of the startup trenches as he guides you through the minefield of entrepreneurship and getting a startup off the ground by drawing from his breadth of expertise and stories from notable startups, all without the sugar coating.

This rare find provides you the foundations you need to get off on the right foot, and wastes no time getting to the point. With each section bite-sized you’re equipped with the know-how to adopt an entrepreneur's mindset, validate your idea, attract the right investors, hire the right team and market to your advantage.

However, it's important to highlight it’s a snapshot overview of the ins and outs of a startup and to delve into each topic in depth in a single book would be madness so you'll find that things like marketing and customer acquisition are simply a list to point you in the right direction moving forward. Whilst this is frustrating at times, it sets you up for success in your on-going learning as it takes the guesswork out of what to learn next.

Special shout out to Captain Hoff, Harper Collins Leadership and Netgalley for access to Surviving a Startup, equipped with pages of notes, this is an invaluable resource I'll continue to refer to.

[Johnson Hor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be the textbook for every entrepreneurial curricula out there, in the back pocket, on your devices, for entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs who are looking at their startups whether stealth or not, it hits to the heart of the substance when you make those gut wretching decisions like killing your first startup, and pivoting; to keeping up with the Jones or being one of the Jones, keeping that poker face, managing the burn rate; marketing and such. In all candor, I know Steve and met him when he had his own startup, how he mentored would be Founders, and how he started Founders Space to help ppl navigate the shark tank. And I've been an invited mentor for many startups that went thru Founders Space. I've also read a ton of stuff. This is one book that has everything in bite size chunks. And as an afterthought, this is a great book for those who work in the space to understand what the Founder's and/or mgmt is going thru and how one can help the company thrive too.

[Patch405 (Shannon Barghols) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps the implied meaning of 'startup' is large business - involving a big idea and a team of people. This book is for that approach - with chapters on raising venture capital, recruitment, hiring, etc. I - on the other hand - picked up this book after reading the tagline - 'practical strategies for starting a business, overcoming obstacles, and coming out on top.' I have started a business, and want to do well with it. However, I don't imagine scaling it, needing capital, or managing a large team. Still, I found the book to be filled with great information. As always, I'm happy with a book if I find one useful nugget. Here, I found more than enough to make the book worthwhile. Crafting elevator pitches, creating a pitch deck, content development, guerrilla marketing, rules for selling, and customer acquisition were all excellent chapters and would help any business - big or small.

You can find me and my new business at https://scoutcollegeconsulting.com/

[Slov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of generic advice, more for people at the top or creating a startup. Not really for people that are ground level to middle level in a startup, and the advice is pretty basic business sense rather than anything interesting. So nothing specifically startup specific other than hiring with company equity rather than money. There is also a lot of reference to Unicorns (big successful startups) as if they are the general example and not a result of a lot of factors (seeing market gaps, getting a huge $200,000 loan from parents like Bezos, creating of interesting product, subscription models, etc). I agree there are lessons to be learned from people to create startups BUT it is really annoying to hear over and over how successful Apple/Amazon/Uber/Salesforce became and how the once were a startup. Those are the diamonds in the rough, and there are way more dead startups than living ones.
#Rantover

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid book that offers extensive and informative advices for entrepreneurs at all ages. The advices are mostly objective based on past experience of many startup companies, including some of today's biggest names such as Apple, Google, Facebook, etc. The author first discourages anyone that wants to start a company without a particularly good reason. Then he offers a selection of successful and failed startup cases, prompting some alerts for entrepreneurs on key aspects like the reasonable use of marketing strategies and talents. In the meantime, the book reminds people that a successful business also needs to evolve and keep pace with times. The highlight is the mention of startup cases in markets other than the US. Overall, it's a useful read even if you don't want to expand your knowledge into the startup field yet.

[Mark Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Hoffman has an incredible body of experience creating and running venture-backed start-ups as well as enabling others to do the same, and this book is an invaluable guidebook that communicates so many hard-earned lessons, in an easy-to-follow style, that any entrepreneur with dreams of glory should pick it up immediately to get a head start on their business.

With lessons on everything from how to keep a poker face in front of VCs who hold your fate in their hands to what type of guerrilla marketing works, this is an exhaustive road map to success. While entirely clear-eyed about the challenges, you'll find plenty of encouragement in this book as well.], and thank Steve when you're done with it.

[Amanda Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview for a startup selling a product. A large portion of the book is focusing on getting investors and sales pitch. My company offers services. We don't sell anything, and we started with our own money. Therefore, I didn't feel like I took a much from the book as someone who is starting a tech company or selling a gadget would. He doesn't sugar coat how difficult a startup is, which I appreciated. He also gives good, albeit sometimes common sense, advice on who to choose to for your business. I think this is a great resource to many, even if not everything pertains to you and your startup.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this book is a must-read for any budding entrepreneur is an understatement. Steve Hoffman does a fantastic job of holding our hands through the wildly exciting entrepreneurial/start-up world, while keeping us grounded and honest about the hidden challenges and emotional toil it can take to become a successful entrepreneur. He not only shares his own expertise and experience through stories, but helps us better understand that as an entrepreneur, it's okay to fail, to need help, and to lose self-confidence -- but an even greater award awaits us just around the corner.

[Andy Riedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In it to Win it!

All Startup Founders, do yourself and favor and add this book to your library before you begin clearing your field of dreams! Steve Hoffman, aka Captain Hoff, has dedicated his career to helping hundreds of startups navigate through the treacherous obstacles in their path. Distilled into bite-sized, get-to-the-point chapters, Surviving a Startup is an introspective guide ensuring founders analyze their plans, ask the right questions, and lay the foundation to successfully execute their vision.

[Michael Devellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving A Startup is another great book for entrepreneurs by Steve Hoffman from Founders Space. It is a comprehensive field guide for Founders of Startups to navigate the challenges they will inevitably face as they validate and grow a new venture. Trusty advice for both companies bootstrapping and raising capital Steve is a go to resource on accurate and reliable first hand experience as an entrepreneur, investor and advisor.

[Younghee Noh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for startup entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur and angel investor with several successful startups, I believe that Steve Hoffman's Surviving Startup is a MUST READ for anyone planning a startup. Well written, well organized, brief and based on experience.

Hoffman walks us through the steps and points out the dangers along the way, allowing entrepreneurs to succeed. This book will save your sanity and so many mistakes. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Adam Tidrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! I have worked with startups for over a decade and I've been in search of a book just like this. It's a reference guide, a map, and a storybook all in one! Steve has done a remarkable job of telling the story of entrepreneurship while also educating those who are ready to take their our journey. You will absolutely love this book and it will be one you recommend to colleagues, friends, and family. Just a great read for anyone who loves entrepreneurship or is taking the plunge.

[Rick Norland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-read stories from the trenches!

In Surviving a Startup, Steve Hoffman shares story after story, wisdom after wisdom, all of which does a fantastic job of painting the real-world experiences of starting a company. And, while it may not be easy, it is certainly rewarding!

Best yet, this book shares the "lessons learned" to make any founder's startup journey a lot easier to walk - and certainly a lot less lonely, knowing the shoes that have beaten the path ahead of you!

Well done!

[Art Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving a Startup is a must read for anyone considering doing a startup or for anyone who has made the leap to full time entrepreneur. This book comprehensively addresses the questions that all entrepreneurs are sure to face and guides you through the emotional rollercoaster. I wish I had read this book before I started my company, but I am fortunate to have it now as it helps guide me through our Series A. Thanks, Captain Hoff!

[Corrica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected, but that is on me not reading much beyond the title before giving it a go. I thought this would be helpful information on how to survive being employed in a start-up and part of that world. Surviving IN a startup. However, it is about how to make a startup survive. The information was fine but not very applicable to many and would have been helpful if it was. broader.

[Gregs Favreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one caught me off guard. It’s fast paced and seems straight forward enough as it sneaks up on you and levels up your brain. By the end of it he’s talking to you like you’re a CEO and you’re feeling like one.

Find more book recommendations, as well as original content on my website at gregblock.ca/favreads

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest book about a startup life. I can confirm pretty much everything that I have experienced myself. The truth is looking like this and the reality can hit if you are not ready. I like that the author goes through all the aspects and provides advice as well. Definitely worth readuping!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Hoffman is Silicon Valley’s most entertaining author, founder, and investor. The book’s advice is essential for tech startups! I also highly recommend his book Make Elephants Fly and I replay the audiobooks regularly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10 Stars

[C W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book. I went into this book with high expectations and it delivered on all accounts. I cannot recommend this book enough! whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned businessperson, you owe it to yourself to read this masterpiece.

[Foamyarielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the most perfect manual for people who wants to bring a startup machine from dream to reality, Captain Hoff bears the same significance to both process and planning. To wind up on top along the entrepreneurship journey requires more than wisdom and perseverance.

[Zachary Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving a startup gives great insights into running a startup in Silicone Valley! I enjoyed reading the book knowing little about the startup space. The author is an excellent writer and keeps every chapter entertaining and informative.

[Sam Kamani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ultimate guide to startups. If you are an entrepreneur or intend to start a high growth company then this book is for you. Hoffman provides insights that can save you years of iteration and learning in real world. Get it today!

[Fonch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read!

This book is packed and loaded with invaluable information and wisdom for anyone who wishes to start a startup or a lucrative business. I highly recommend it. 10 out of 10

[Yaoguang Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. The author has very deep understanding about starting up a company and things and problems it might face. I learned a lot from reading this book.

[Willie Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my textbook for my course on innovations and entrepreneurs for over 2,000 graduate students in US and China.
Thanks, Steve !

[Roger Royse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve puts years of startup experience in Silicon Valley around the world into this book. This is a great place to start if you are thinking of starting up.

[Miebara Jato]

A must-read for all entrepreneurs and startup founders.

[T. Laane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give it 5.5 stars out of 5 :) The book is about one of the greatest ever written for a startup founder, especially the first 30-40% of the book - I took SO many notes, it's insane :) A must read!

[Tom Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gun book, a bible for startups