The Lean Startup

What is it about?

The Lean Startup is a very popular business book, particularly in the entrepreneurship and innovation category. This book is often cited as a reference in business management courses and the book is an international best seller. Ries divides the book into three topics: vision, steer and accelerate and these sections demonstrate how innovation at time of start-up is critical. In this context this means companies must be prepared to develop their offer, test, modify and deliver based on a thorough understanding of the customer. There’s no room for vanity metrics and lean, quick delivery is important. Ries overviews how to make this happen and uses lots of product examples as case studies throughout.

Why should I read it?

If you are about to start a business that is more than a side-hustle you will find this book valuable. If innovation and market disruption is a key performance metric, you will find this book to be a helpful read. If you want to better understand how incremental or radical innovation can be applied to build a sustainable business this is a good reference book to read.

Is it a challenging read?

The Lean Startup is an engaging read and the case studies throughout make it very interesting.