7 Books Every Tech Start-up Should Read - The Independent Collective

The tech industry is booming, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re an entrepreneur entering this sector, there’s a lot you need to get yourself up-to-speed with if you want to succeed.

Learning is a never-ending pursuit, but the seven books on this list should give you a solid foundation to build on as you take your first steps into running a profitable tech business.

1. Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth and Impact the World

Written by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler, Bold is an invaluable three-part guide aimed at new business people. Part one explores how startups are growing from initial idea to to billion dollar business quicker than ever before, and discusses some of the tech that could influence the future – such as 3D printing and AI.

Would you like to know how Richard Branson made his billions? Read the second part of this gripping book. The final section gives the reader actionable tips for building a company and crafting lucrative campaigns. An absolute must for anyone aiming for the top.

2. The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future

There are few people more qualified to write about tech than the former editor of Wired Magazine. This fantastic book looks ahead at how technology will shape the world over the next 30 years, and how different technologies will merge, mix, overlap and co-depend on each other.

Author Kevin Kelly covers a broad range of technologies including AI, VR and many others, and explores how they will have a lasting impact on everyday life, business and consumerism. An essential read if you intend to stay ahead of the competition!

3. How Google Works

There are plenty of books that will tell you how Google the search engine works, but not many about Google the company. How Google Works was written by Google executives Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, who offer an authentic view of the company culture, philosophy and decision-making processes that helped Google become the multi-billion dollar force it is today.

If you hope to replicate even a small amount of Google’s success, get your hands on this book.

4. Networking Like a Pro

Networking Like a Pro is aimed mostly at business newcomers, with practical advice, templates and tools to help you overcome many common networking hurdles.

In tech, perhaps more than in any other sector, networking is a crucial skill that every business owner needs to master in order to succeed. From making useful contacts to develop your business, to implementing an effective referral marketing campaign, Networking Like a Pro is full of invaluable advice for start-ups.

5. The Lean Start-Up

Written by business expert Eric Ries, this book is ideal for those anxious to get their new business noticed quickly. The Lean Start-Up looks at how to launch, expand, adapt and grow within your chosen industry. For those who are keen to stay innovative, this book is packed with real-world examples and case studies, as well as common pitfalls that should be avoided.

6. The Upstarts

When it comes to disruptive tech companies, few can compare to Uber and Airbnb. In The Upstarts, author Brad Stone offers an incredible insight into two of the biggest success stories of the last 10 years. Find out how these two tech giants parted with convention, broke the established rules of business and became two global powerhouses.

If you want to change the world, you need to be prepared to step out of the box like these two did.

7. Conscious Capitalism

Authors, Raj Sisodia and John Mackey believe that a company can be big and rich and still have a heart – as they explain in this highly insightful book. The way companies treat their employees, customers, shareholders and competitors can have a monumental impact on the world – for better or worse. Conscious Capitalism uses many real world examples from companies like UPS, Google and Amazon to teach you how to create a positive work environment that’s beneficial for everyone.

Use this book to become more mindful of you impact on the world and society around you.

This article was contributed by Where the Trade Buys, a leading print company that produces promotional books, brochures and catalogues.