20 Best Business Books Every Startup Founder Should Read

 Starting a business is no easy feat. As a startup founder, you’re faced with countless challenges, from securing funding to building your brand. Fortunately, the wisdom and guidance of those who have walked this path before can provide invaluable insights. Reading business books can help you navigate your entrepreneurial journey with more clarity, knowledge, and confidence.

Here are 20 of the best business books that every startup founder should read in 2025 to gain actionable advice, boost leadership skills, and refine their strategies for success.

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1. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

One of the most influential books on startups, The Lean Startup teaches the concept of building a business in the most efficient way possible. The book introduces the idea of the “Build-Measure-Learn” feedback loop, which encourages testing ideas quickly and iterating based on feedback rather than spending months or years on untested ideas.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
It provides actionable strategies for creating a sustainable business in the early stages and avoiding common mistakes.

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2. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, shares his insights on creating breakthrough innovations and moving from “zero to one”—creating something entirely new, rather than copying what already exists. Thiel’s book is filled with thought-provoking ideas about monopolies, competition, and building a unique, valuable product.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
It challenges you to think differently about how to grow your business and provides insight into scaling and long-term success.

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3. "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

In Good to Great, Jim Collins studies companies that made the leap from good to great and maintained that success for years. He uncovers key characteristics of great companies, such as having the right leadership, focusing on core competencies, and fostering a culture of discipline.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
The book offers timeless advice on building a business that can achieve long-term success, even after the initial startup phase.

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4. "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz

Ben Horowitz, a venture capitalist, offers a candid and honest account of the challenges that come with running a startup. He shares his own experiences of navigating difficult business decisions, managing people, and keeping a company afloat during tough times.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
If you’re facing a difficult moment in your startup journey, this book provides practical advice on how to persevere.

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5. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s Start with Why emphasizes the importance of understanding your purpose as a company. He argues that the most successful businesses are those that can clearly articulate why they exist and inspire others to follow their vision.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book will help you articulate your company’s mission and inspire both your team and customers.

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6. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber

In The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber discusses the importance of systematizing your business processes and working on your business, not just in it. He explains how many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of doing everything themselves and emphasizes the need for delegation and creating a scalable business model.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book is a wake-up call for many startup founders who are struggling to balance day-to-day tasks with long-term growth strategies.

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7. "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog is the memoir of Nike’s co-founder, Phil Knight. It provides an inside look at the early days of Nike, the struggles Knight faced, and the lessons he learned while building one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book is an inspiring, real-world look at the grit, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to build a global brand.

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8. "The Innovator’s Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen

Clayton Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma explores why large companies often fail to adapt to disruptive technologies and how new entrants can take advantage of these shifts. The book’s core thesis is that innovation is key to business survival and growth.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
For startups aiming to disrupt industries, this book provides a roadmap to successfully innovate and compete against larger, more established players.

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9. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

While not strictly a business book, Atomic Habits by James Clear teaches you how to build small, positive habits that compound over time. It offers practical strategies for breaking bad habits, creating productive routines, and making lasting changes in your personal and professional life.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
As a startup founder, the small habits you form today can determine the success of your business tomorrow.

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10. "The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau’s The $100 Startup is an inspiring book for anyone who wants to start a business with limited capital. It provides examples of successful entrepreneurs who built businesses with a small initial investment and scaled them into profitable ventures.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book will inspire you to start small and focus on solving real-world problems that people are willing to pay for.

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11. "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead focuses on leadership and creating a culture of courage and trust within your company. Brown, a researcher and professor, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy in leadership.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
Great leadership is key to scaling your startup, and this book provides a fresh perspective on what it means to lead effectively.

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12. "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Rework challenges traditional business wisdom and offers an unconventional approach to entrepreneurship. The authors, founders of Basecamp, argue that many of the common rules of business—like the need for a business plan or a large office—are outdated.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters to your startup’s success.

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13. "The Art of the Start 2.0" by Guy Kawasaki

In The Art of the Start 2.0, Guy Kawasaki provides actionable advice on launching a startup, from creating your pitch to assembling a team and raising capital. This updated version of his classic guide is packed with new insights and practical tools for entrepreneurs.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
Kawasaki’s advice is straightforward and easy to apply, making it perfect for first-time founders looking for guidance on starting their business.

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14. "The Founder's Dilemmas" by Noam Wasserman

Noam Wasserman’s The Founder’s Dilemmas dives deep into the decisions that startup founders must face, especially when it comes to co-founder relationships, equity splits, and hiring the right people. It’s a comprehensive guide to the interpersonal and strategic challenges that often come with launching a company.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
This book will help you navigate some of the toughest decisions you’ll make as a founder.

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15. "The Personal MBA" by Josh Kaufman

Josh Kaufman’s The Personal MBA is an all-in-one guide to business knowledge without the need for a formal MBA program. Kaufman covers key concepts like marketing, finance, and management in a way that’s both accessible and practical.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
If you’re looking to gain a broad understanding of business concepts without going back to school, this book is a great resource.

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16. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk

In Crushing It!, Gary Vaynerchuk shares stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully built personal brands using social media and digital marketing. The book is full of actionable advice on how to leverage platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for business growth.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
In today’s digital world, mastering social media is crucial for startup success. This book gives you a roadmap to use these tools to your advantage.

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17. "The $10,000 Startup" by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares how to start a business that requires minimal capital and maximum leverage. This book emphasizes creating a business that generates passive income while allowing you to maintain a flexible lifestyle.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
For startup founders who value lifestyle design and automation, Ferriss’ advice is essential.

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18. "Venture Deals" by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson

Venture Deals is a must-read for any founder looking to raise venture capital. The book provides an in-depth look at the venture capital world, explaining how deals are structured, what investors are looking for, and how to negotiate funding terms.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
If you plan to seek funding for your startup, understanding the venture capital process is key.

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19. "You Are a Badass at Making Money" by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money is a self-help book that combines motivational advice with practical tips on improving your financial mindset. While not a traditional business book, it offers a refreshing perspective on wealth creation and financial independence.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
Mindset is critical to success in business. This book will help you cultivate the right attitude toward money and entrepreneurship.

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20. "The Art of Strategy" by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. Nalebuff

This book delves into strategic thinking and decision-making, using game theory to explore how to make better business choices. It’s perfect for founders who want to improve their strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Why It’s a Must-Read:
For founders looking to understand competition, negotiations, and strategic moves, this book is an excellent resource.

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Conclusion

The journey of a startup founder is filled with highs and lows, but the right knowledge can make all the difference. These 20 business books cover everything from leadership and innovation to strategy and financial success, providing the insights and guidance you need to turn your startup dream into a thriving business. Start reading and take the next step toward building a successful company in 2025!