Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider

by Stacy Spikes

At the intersection of power, technology, and race, Stacy Spikes, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of MoviePass, reveals the tools he’s used to persevere in the face of adversity, defy stereotypes, and shatter glass ceilings. BLACK FOUNDER is both an empowering memoir of a trailblazing business leader and an unflinching look at what it means to be Black and ambitious in the upper echelons of record labels, movie studios and tech startups – with practical steps on how to overcome prejudice and build your own success.

From the award-winning entrepreneur USA Today named one of the 21 most influential Blacks in technology comes an empowering, bracingly honest, entertaining blueprint for success in life and work—including the true story of what really happened to MoviePass, the nation’s groundbreaking first-ever theatrical subscription service—straight from the co-founder and former CEO himself…

Stacy Spikes knows what’s it like to be an outsider. He certainly knew he didn’t fit the mold of a successful future tech entrepreneur. But he marshaled his resilience and ultimately set out to shatter that mold—along with the glass ceiling that came with it. Finding his footing in the tech world was an education in the complexities of being an outsider—but as Stacy came to see, rather than a hindrance, it afforded him a unique position of power.

Beginning as a film studio gopher, Spikes quickly rose through the industry ranks, being named one of the Hollywood Reporter’s 30 Under 30. Still, he was an outsider looking in. So he set out to make his own dreams a reality. Defying expectations, Spikes effectively disrupted the status quo and reinvented himself from junior executive to CEO Tech Founder. What ensued was an escalating adventure with bigger stages, bigger risks, and a roller-coaster ride of exhilarating ascent—unpredictable collapse—and a story book return.

Now Spikes shares his challenges, pitfalls, and keys to personal and professional fulfillment. He shows how the seemingly impossible can be overcome by having faith in oneself and creating from a place of confidence. Taking readers inside the battles of the boardroom and beyond, Black Founder is a business memoir that will inspire every outsider who has a dream.

Genres: Business, Memoir, Nonfiction, Technology, Biography, Entrepreneurship, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Courtney Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read More Reviews Here

This was a wonderful book to read and I enjoyed getting to know more about Stacy Spikes and his roles outside of MoviePass. I wanted to read it to see how and why everything happened like it did but I was plesenlty surprised to learn how he grew and developed as a leader and founder in an industry that seems to be hesitant of "outsiders".

I remember back in early 2018 joining MoviePass, it was amazing! I was never one to go to the movies often (read: at all), I felt they were always way too over priced. Then seeing a Netflix type model to see movies it was exactly what I needed! I saw more movies in-person during those 2-4 months than I have in my entire life. I was sad when I saw it desovle and I think I can count on one hand how many movies I have seen in person since they have gone under. Getting the opportunity to read about everything that happened right from the source was such an enjoyable experience that I was looking forward too.

There were points in the book that were confusing, it would vear into self-help territory abruptly after having a long section about his life. I personally was much more interested in learning about Stacy and how he grew and navigated his life rather than getting the occasional tip for other entrepernures. I can see how others would like that, it just wasn't for me and that's ok.

His writing was well done and descriptive. I felt like I was in the meeting rooms with him and could feel the nerves or giddyness that he did when he won or lost. This was also a quick read but don't let the size fool you, there is so much jam packed in here you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

Final Thoughts: Overall an enjoyable quick read that shed light on a topic I found very interesting. I am looking forward to keeping up with Stacy and MoviePass and hopefully I might start going to the movies again soon!

Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Stacy’s story. It’s truly encouraging how many times he fell/failed but still kept coming up with ideas, better ideas.

[Robert St cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a give away book that I received about a week ago. It is a brief narrative where the author describes his formative years in the music and marketing industry. Initially the story felt like a pat on the back, look at me, every thing I do is cool. In a sense, this was true, and the author says as much. By the end of the book he shares the challenges and heartbreak of becoming a founder. Stacy has lived an exciting and creative life, filled with a wide range of emotions. I enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone, even if your not an entrepreneur or a minority (I'm a middle aged white dude). He sounds like a great person to work with and for and a decent human being. If I could ask for anything it would be more. Spikes has met so many interesting people over the years and been apart of so many events, that this book could have been and should have been significantly longer. At least 7 to 800 pages longer.

[Sydney Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased in this review because Stacy has been a personal friend and mentor to me since I graduated college. I was an employee of the infamous MoviePass and worked there through much of the drama that is described in that portion of the book. I was much more interested in learning about the Stacy's early experience in the entertainment industry and found many of his anecdotes from these early years funny and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to build their own business or are just looking for some inspiration to keep chugging along!

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book to read. Mr. Spikes takes the reader through his entrepreneurial life and shows us what took (and takes) to work towards one's dream and life's ambition. Knowing not only the obstacles he had to overcome but also the way in which Mr. Spikes carried himself with all his jobs and business relationships is straight out of a Master Class on how to be the very best person you can be.

Whether you are looking to read about of the founders of Movie Pass or in need of a book to reinvigorate you after a setback, Black Founder has it all and it should be a must read.

[Parker | simplybibliophiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent! Great story. Perfect pace. Perfect length. Spikes has a great voice that shines through from beginning to end. He tells his story of his ups and downs as an entrepreneur, talking at length about his early beginnings, moving to California instead of going to college, and ultimately founding Urbanworld Films and MoviePass. He goes into depth about both experiences and to say the latter experience was DRAMA is putting it mildly.

His story will make you laugh, cry, sigh, bite your nails in fear, and make you want to fight in all instances where Spikes was undermined and undervalued. You will relish in his wins, saddened by his losses, but, more importantly, you will be left inspired by his spirit of unyielding resilience.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.25/5 stars! As someone who was a member of the original Movie Pass model and then as a beta subscriber to the re-launch a few months ago, I was really interested in reading this book. First of all, let me make it clear that the new moviepass does not feel like any sort of improvement and costs more to have than the amount of "savings" you get in tickets. So clearly, the client-first mentality they've been stating has not been taken into account at all. What I struggled with for this book specifically, was that it didn't really offer any genuine insight into the problem or changing. Instead, it read like an advertisement to draw in new users. Not for me.

[Alexandro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish… 21%. The pointless name dropping turned me off a lot. Also, the title is “Black Founder” and almost a quarter of the way in, we’re just going through an employee‘s resume.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider by Stacy Spikes
Published January 24th 2023


<3 I #audiobooked this yesterday in one shift. I can not believe I never heard of this Black Man before, especially since I had a invested interest (MOVIEPASS) in a product/company he created! How systemic racist behavior tried (and eventually succeeded) to steal Mr. Spikes company after he and his team worked so hard to build, made me physically sick and PMO! I had to wait to write my review so I can leave out the cuss words. A documentary is in the works which I hope will reveal all the evil and illegal activity of those folks. Surely, if it were Mr. Spikes who committed such acts, his azz would have been put under the penitentiary! Vengeance and Karma is mine sayeth the UNIVERSE! I can not wait to see the documentary! This book is being officially released today! To see how the universe and synergy conspired to bring him through that storm when he decided to #stayready was absolutely magical. The scene where he takes his 6 year old daughter to draw in customers was such a beautiful scene. My favorite quote of Mr. Spikes, "Failure is an orphan's but success has a thousand parents." I can not wait to see what is next for this brother! <3

@stacyspikes #BlackFounder #NetGalley stacyspikes #WTC #911 #MOVIEPASS #PRESHOW #THEVILLAGE #URBANWORLD #MOTOWN #SONY #STEVIEWONDER #MICHAELJACKSON #KARMA #NYC #TEXAS #MEDITATION #RUNNING #MENTALHEALTH #GETTINGHUNGRY
#HARVEYWEINSTEIN #PERSEVERANCE #FAITH


From the award-winning entrepreneur USA Today named one of the twenty-one most influential Blacks in technology comes an empowering, bracingly honest, entertaining blueprint for success in life and work-including the true story of what really happened to MoviePass-straight from the cofounder and former CEO himself. Stacy Spikes knows what's it like to be an outsider. Finding his footing in the tech world was an education in the complexities of being an outsider-but as Stacy came to see, rather than a hindrance, it afforded him a unique position of power. Beginning as a film studio gopher, Spikes quickly rose through the industry ranks, being named one of the Hollywood Reporter's 30 Under 30. Still, he was an outsider looking in. Defying expectations, Spikes effectively disrupted the status quo and reinvented himself from junior executive to CEO Tech Founder. What ensued was an escalating adventure with bigger stages, bigger risks, and a roller-coaster ride of exhilarating ascent-unpredictable collapse-and a story book return. Taking listeners inside the battles of the boardroom and beyond, Black Founder is a business memoir that will inspire every outsider who has a dream.

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for a work bookclub, so this may not be a book I naturally would have been pulled to. 2 stars for finishing it, but very close to a dnf at a few points in the novel. Maybe 1.5

This book fails on a few levels for me. I don't view Spikes as an outsider, and he doesn't give any novel insights to the power of being an outsider. Most importantly, it's a lackluster memoir. It doesn't offer a truly venerable portrait of self reflection. It reads like a detailed Wikipedia article - emotionally removed from the subject. It's off-putting.

It doesn't offer any personal revelation, and it doesn't offer any unique entrepreneurial perspective. Have a mentor, see things through, run, mediate, religion. Perserve through tough times.

The chapters don't align thematically. I could understand if the chapters amalgamated to prove a greater point, but all I'm left with is a few sentences every third chapter of the most generic advice that may not even be relevant. Maybe I'm age-ist, but his story is so genx. I genuinely don't think his career is replicable. I know people will say it's not about replication; it's about the process, but what process? Falling upward?

I get so irrationally mad. How are you an outsider. Because he's black? The one time in the book he mentions race....it's pandering. It reads like a great first draft it lacks emotional weight and/or industry relevance. It's sad because there is something here, but you have to do so much independent analysis and critical thinking to get some kernel of anything...it feels like panning for gold on the moon.

Reading this book is a tedious exercise in hopes for something worthwhile that ultimately leaves you empty-handed. But you can mine the intro chapter for 🔥 Motivation Monday quotes on Facebook. I digress.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t be afraid to disrupt things if you can make things better…

Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider by Stacy Spikes is a memoir about the former and current CEO of Moviepass and his career path…

It was a long road to Moviepass, so follow Stacy’s trajectory from Motown to Sony to Miramax to film festivals to movie production and finally to providing audiences a new way to enjoy movies.

Stacy worked hard in a number of entertainment fields so eventually getting involved in movie theaters shouldn’t be surprising, especially considering all of the research and data he had access throughout his business career.

Even though Moviepass had issues throughout its development and implementation, it was an early disruptor as it led to theater chains creating their own types of apps to counter it.

The early career stuff (roughly the first two thirds) covers Stacy as he navigates the entertainment industry with the last third covering Moviepass and his involvement.

I ah e a great respect for just how much time and effort he put into developing it…nearly a decade to make something real and functional…

It’s just a shame that others decided they could use it to make a lot of money and destroy it in the process…

While it remains to be seen if Moviepass will ever return to a respectable state in the future, the background presented in this memoir is not one of a manipulative Wall Street tycoon or a stock market huckster, but one of a young man who wanted to help create things that others would enjoy even if he was behind the scenes and not in the spotlight…

That’s a respectable work ethic in my book…

[RBSProds · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Black Founder: the Hidden Power of Being An Outsider” is by Stacy Spikes, a top media entrepreneur. Over the years he impressively worked his way up the ladder of success while working for entities such as Motown, Sony, etc, but his greatest success was in ventures he created himself and nurtured as the consummate ‘outsider’. Time after time as he progressed in the world of business and media, he had great success and some failures. He informs the reader how he learned from his failures and treated them as a means to avert future disasters. Rubbing elbows with captains of the entertainment industry and stars such as Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, and Robert De Niro, he worked to make his visions and dreams, such as “Urbanworld” a success. From the Swatch disaster to the success of the first black film festival, and his individual efforts to create a new movie ticketing experience for the customer, he never wasted an encounter or let failures keep him down for very long. As he relates his ascension to success in the movie, music, multi-media, amd advertising worlds, he passes on sage advice based on his career and his life style, while involved with the likes of “PreShow”, “Movie-Pass”, “Urbanworld”, etc. Highly Recommended! Five INFORMATIVE Stars. Kindle. 239 pages.

[Elsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a heavy MoviePass user and when it overtly disrespected its users by making the service almost impossible to use, I jumped off. Others doubled down in desperation to keep it alive. MoviePass lovers blamed other users. Many insisted that users need to buy more MoviePass stock to save it. As MoviePass is re-emerging in its second iteration, I was interested in reading the MP founder's story. Overall, it seemed like a typical leadership story. It was pretty interesting to hear about his career trajectory and his perspective on how MP spiraled downward. However, it's not very inspiring and it cuts short in detailing a vision for the new MoviePass. It ties up the ending with his insistence that his vision is strong and will work but has it evolved? Cinema has changed since MP 1.0 and other movie theater subscription services were created in its absence and they are thriving. It did not inspire me to sign up for the new subscription.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me glued to it once I sat down and really got into it. Everyone loves an underdog but this takes the cake. Spikes has everything you want in a hero and his storytelling rollercoaster ride comes with thrills and inspiration beyond what I expected. High highs and low lows; grit, guts, and glory. And the plot twist ending had my jaw dropped. I guess I’ve been living under a rock but I was happy to see the light.

As someone working on a company from the ground up, feeling undervalued and unseen, it’s refreshing to know that the hard work pays off, as long as I don’t stop trying. The tenacity injection this book provides is jet fuel to my mind. Even if you’re not looking to start something from scratch, this book is a pep talk anyone can use.

I have been participating in goodreads giveaways for a year now and this is the only book I’ve ever received. Some may call it coincidence but I think it’s fate.

Thanks for reading,
Chris

[Man Ha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy described his passion and faith in the Black community as that of an entrepreneur. He took every single opportunity with a reasonable altitude. When Stacy struggled with debt, Stacy moved forward and paid little by little. When he was about to lose his company, he did what he could to save it for his employees. Even though people removed him and Hamet after saving his company, he continued with his attitude, "I just need faith". He failed and lost Movie Pass, but he continued his venture and was able to save Movie Pass again. What he did to inspire the diversity of entrepreneurs was very inspiring.
His book is unique compared to the other two entrepreneur books I read earlier. It highlights the statement from Toretto "There is nothing impossible you need to Faith". Stacy knew he had lost his company, but he continued his venture into a new company. Later on, he regained control back because that was like his first baby for passion.

[Kyiakhalid Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into the entrepreneur journey and navigating the trials of bias. I’m happy for the redemption story and second coming.

I came to the book from the HBO documentary and am slightly disappointed that the book glosses over some of the more intensely skeezy moments of the business dealings between the principals. I get that the author probably wanted to maintain a calm tone and not rehash the pain of those episodes, but aren’t books the perfect medium to delve deep into the nitty-gritty of the stories?

This book does share some learnings for future entrepreneurs, but this is an autobiography and focuses mainly on the author’s journey. Maybe the book by the investigative journalist will showcase more of the salacious details and case study material for future entrepreneurs to learn from.

[Elysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Black Founder" is Stacy Spikes's story of working up through the music and movie industries until he was able to found MoviePass and how that company failed (and maybe is about to rise again?). I didn't know who Spikes was or even what MoviePass was before picking up this book. I also haven't read a book about entrepreneurship like this one. It was all extremely fascinating to me. Spikes is resilient and stands firm with his morals and business practices. I learned some interesting things (even if some of the stock information went over my head). I would recommend this book to people interested in business, movies, and stories about strong leaders.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for an early copy of this book.

[Keith Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. “His words echoed and have stuck with me. He gave me a gift that could not be bought. He gave me an unforgettable reminder of the importance of perseverance. I think the biggest thing that Robert De Niro taught me on that day was the importance of taking time and encouraging others. Pay your blessings forward. Sometimes a few kind words can keep a person going. It’s important to know that although the path may be dark and lonely at times, if you just keep going, you will make it.”

In that quote, Stacy Spikes might have been talking about an inspirational conversation he had with Robert De Niro, but he also summed up how I feel about this book. So many great life lessons here from the co-founder of MoviePass!

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Founder is an inspiring memoir by Stacy Spikes, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has shattered glass ceilings and defied stereotypes throughout his career. Spikes faced numerous challenges and setbacks but persevered by harnessing his resilience and unique position of power as an outsider.

This book is a personal account of Spikes' journey and a practical guide for others who aspire to break barriers and build their own success. Spikes provide insights into the complexities of being an outsider in the tech industry and offer practical steps to overcome prejudice and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. "Black Founder" is an empowering memoir that inspires and motivates readers to pursue their dreams and create from a place of confidence.

[Jake Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

It took me about 3/4 of the way through to fully realize what this book is. It's not a full biography and recap of Stacy Spikes' career, nor is it a full expose of what really went down at MoviePass (although there are pieces of both of those elements here). Instead, "Black Founder" works best when viewed as an inspirational example for aspiring Black entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Spikes details his ups and downs in the film and music industries, but always comes away from his experiences looking for the next big thing and relying on his network to help make that happen.

I came to this looking for behind-the-scenes MoviePass info and left with some inspiring stories about overcoming adversity.

[Neelam Babul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of the book. It is a memoir based on the author's experience of being a music producer. I loved listening to his story from being a drug addict as a teenager to one who changed the musical world.

I felt that the book was written for individuals who aspired to start their own business or wished to work in the music industry or for music enthusiasts.

For someone like me who isn't very familiar with the music industry, it offered very little in terms of content. I could however relate to his personal experiences and how he rose to the top with hard work, dedication and a growth mindset.

[Jake Krengel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

I initially picked it up to learn more about the rise and fall of Movie Pass but ended up being thoroughly captivated by Spikes' story of perseverance and resilience in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, Tech, and Venture Capital.

His vision and tenacity are truly inspiring, especially in the face of repeated setbacks and bad actors. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the film industry, or simply in need of some motivation.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good book. Book starts with his childhood and works up to present day. Enjoyed hearing about the famous film/music projects he's worked on and the many A-list celebrity stories.

Gave good insight on the difficulties of building a startup (financing, politics, investors, competition, media, etc.) and how he's worked to overcome them.

The only thing the book is missing is a "good comeback". Hopefully, there will be a sequel that will let us know how everything plays out.

[Elle]

8h 34m

I skimmed this dull audiobook only because it is taken from my monthly Hoopla instant borrow.

Chap 1: Out There
Chap 2: All That Glitters
Chap 3: Mentors of Motown
Chap 4: Apprentice Rising
Chap 5: The Machine of Music - Sony
Chap 6: Miramax And The Madmen
Chap 7: Baptism By Fire - Urban World
Chap 8: Ownership Matters
Chap 9: Urban World To the World
Chap 10: Outsider's Advantage
Chap 11: What If - Movie Pass
Chap 12: Developers and Deadlines
Chap 13: Defending the Castle
Chap 14: When the Walls Come Tumbling Down
Chap 15: WaKanda
Chap 16: Phoenix Rising

[Kevin Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Stacey Spikes has certainly had more of an influence in the world of music and film than his founding of MoviePass! Of course, the MoviePass drama is interesting to read about, but his stories on working for Motown and founding the Urbanworld Film Festival are equally facilitating to read about!

[Adonis H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Black Founder by Stacy Spikes through a forum recommendation, and I’m glad I did. The book offers valuable lessons on the highs and lows of business, manhood, and the constant balancing act of life. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at resilience and ambition. While it may not resonate with everyone, those navigating entrepreneurship or personal growth will find plenty to take away.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! I admire the author and his tenacity and personal awareness. While this book may seem to be for a limited audience i believe it offers take aways for a broader audience. A good read.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up to learn more about the MoviePass fiasco, and learned a lot more than I expected, as well as gained a new favorite founder. I don't know Stacy personally, but I'm proud of him and look forward to watching what he does next.

[Eric Horvath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing life story, glad to have learned it. Life lessons and advice were very common — agreed with everything! — but the writing just didn’t jump off the page for me. Largely picked it up to hear more about Moviepass debacle but glad to have learned about Urbanworld!

[Felicia Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

With my never ending list of books to consume, I don't often take time to pick up an autobiography. This was some great insight to the sweat and tears that went into the creation of the Urban World Film Festival and Movie Pass. Stacy Spikes has been inspiration for so many