Start Smart: Ideas, Validation & Launch

Read these books when you’re starting a business and want to validate your idea, launch lean, and build the right business from day one.

Start With Why – Simon Sinek

Read this when you need clarity on your company’s deeper purpose and want to inspire your customers and team from the inside out.

Zero to One – Peter Thiel

Read this when you’re forming your business concept and want to create something truly innovative, not just another version of what already exists. Read the full summary of Zero to One

Million Dollar Weekend – Noah Kagan

Read this when you’re stuck overthinking and need a clear, fast-paced playbook to go from idea to launch in 48 hours.

The Lean Startup – Eric Ries

Read this if you’re launching something new and want a proven method to validate ideas quickly before wasting time and money. Read the full summary of The Lean Startup

The Minimalist Entrepreneur – Sahil Lavingia

Read this if you’re starting solo or small and want to build a lean, profitable business that supports your lifestyle—not someone else’s investment thesis. Read the full summary of The Minimalist Entrepreneur

12 Months to $1 Million – Ryan Daniel Moran

Read this if your goal is to grow a product-based business to $1M in revenue—and you want a roadmap from launch to scale.

The Art of the Start 2.0 – Guy Kawasaki

Read this if you’re pitching investors or building a startup and want a veteran’s perspective on how to start, fund, and scale smart.

The Startup Owner’s Manual – Steve Blank & Bob Dorf

Read this if you’re early-stage and need a tactical, step-by-step guide for building a scalable startup from the ground up.

Buy Then Build – Walker Deibel

Read this if you want to own a business without starting from scratch—this book teaches you how to acquire and grow one instead.

Company of One – Paul Jarvis

Read this when you want to build a business that stays intentionally small, profitable, and under your control.

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business – Gino Wickman

Read this if you’ve launched but feel stuck or scattered—Traction gives you a simple system (EOS) to get your business organized and growing again.