Do More Faster

TechStars Lessons to Accelerate Your Startup

By: Brad Feld, David Cohen

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

It is a cold, hard fact of business life that most startups fail. Even many of those entrepreneurs who ultimately succeed have stories of personal challenges, unsuccessful companies, and difficulties along the way. The founders of TechStars, a mentorship-driven startup accelerator, have worked with entrepreneurs and companies over the past twenty-five years, and have seen a number of the same issues come up again and again.

In Do More Faster, the founders of TechStars identify the key issues that first-time entrepreneurs encounter, and offer proven advice from successful entrepreneurs who have worked with the TechStars program.

The authors organize the most critical issues into seven themes: Idea and Vision, People, Execution, Product, Fundraising, Legal and Structure, and Work and Life Balance. Many of the examples are personal experiences from the entrepreneurs themselves, integrated into a cohesive narrative - while at the same time able to stand on their own. Throughout the book, they debunk numerous myths about startups and reveal some surprising truths. They explain, for instance, that the core of a startup is not always a world-changing and earth-shattering idea - in fact, it is often the case that successful startups started out doing something else.

They also underscore the efficiency of execution: great entrepreneurs know how to synthesize data, make a decision about the path they are going down, and execute. And they offer some alternatives to traditional ways of raising money, while stressing that you shouldn't start with the assumption that you need to raise money.

Mastering the seven themes may not ensure success, but understanding the issues, reading the stories, and getting advice pertaining to these issues will increase your chances dramatically. And if nothing else, you'll realize that you aren't alone in facing these challenges.

©2010 Brad Feld, David Cohen (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"Remember when experience mattered? Thanks to this book, no matter how new to your field or how young or inexperienced you are, you can learn from people who have actually done it. Sure beats failing." (Seth Godin, author of Linchpin)

A collection of advice

This book wasn't what I was expecting but it was still pretty good. It's a collection of stories and advice from people in the tech industry. I usually like more action oriented books.

Crucial if you have or will have a Tech Company

If you could sum up Do More Faster in three words, what would they be?

Relevant Entreprenurial Education

What did you like best about this story?

Unless you already know tons of VCs, or have been a part of successful entrepreneurial think tanks, or have listened to the conversation of Tech company startups as well as the mentors from those companies...and those kinds of insights are intriguing to you, then by all means read this book. If you have or aspire to have a tech company, this is a book to help guide you down some successful patterns and help you avoid common pitfalls. Any business owner in the start up arena or tech/internet vertical who is interested in increasing the chances in having success will enjoy this book. -- this audio version is great.

Great Book for anyone looking to start a business.

This book is not a sales pitch. It's very informative and easy to listen to.

I'm going to start a business now

A super useful resource for anyone starting or about to start a business. Very elucidating and inspiring, demystifying to a large extent too.

Easy to Digest, Case Study Format

What did you love best about Do More Faster?

Short stories and examples. Everything is based on actual & recent experiences of the individuals who contributed to the book. Lesson are applicable NOT just to start ups, but to those in product development, and anyone looking to significantly grow or pivot their business. Not a lot of fluff or filler. I appreciated that.

What did you like best about this story?

Concise

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have a 20 minute commute to work and I listen while grocery shopping. 1-2 times a week. It took about 2-3 weeks to get through it. Easy to pick up where you leave off.

Any additional comments?

I will likely listen to this again, soon.