Unlocking the Secrets of Venture Capital: How Entrepreneurs and VCs Work Together to Build Successful Startups

Paresh Marrott: Great Insights on the relationship between the E and VC
Great read and a must for all the Entrepreneurs around the Globe

India on Oct 17, 2016

Amazon Customer: A very interesting testimony on the venture capital industry. Well written and interesting. More based on anecdotal evidence and a way to get to know the setting of the industry.

United Kingdom on Sep 04, 2016

Katja: all good

United Kingdom on Jan 13, 2016

David Chabot: Interesting read, although it lacked a bit in details. I was expecting to learn the ropes of the VC world, but it felt more like an autobiography from a very successful guy that doesn't want to explain too much how he got there. Still fun to read and it might open a few eyes about the startup financing world.

Canada on Jul 18, 2015

Brian Merkel: Chose this book as a light read to understand startups from a different point of view and wasn't disappointed. The stories provided a great perspective which opened up some new ideas for myself. Notably, there were a number of remarks regarding global entrepreneurship which is something I had never encountered. I can confidently say I was learning something new with every page of this book and fully recommend it.

Also, I happen to work for a gentleman who was mentioned a number of times in this book (I'm an engineer) and felt that Draper hit the nail on the head when he talked about technology and entrepreneurship near the end. If you want to change the world get an engineering degree (or similar; certainly there are other means as well), find your passion, and a crazy entrepreneur who can work with VCs. The results can be phenomenal and Draper reiterates that here.

United States on Jun 02, 2013

Palo Alto Hawk: Bill Draper was one of my first investors in iGo, a company I started in my garage in San Jose in 1993 and took public in '99. Bill was one of the most helpful and insightful investors I have ever met. His book sheds a keen light on the intricate relationship between an entrepreneur and venture investors. Next to picking your team, choosing your investors is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur can make. His book does a great job describing how to build a great relationship with your investors. Bill is one of the rare great investors that see problems before you do, nurture you when you need it, and help you focus on what matters. His lessons are crisp and invaluable. This book is a must read for every entrepreneur and venture investor. Bill Draper helped build Venture Capital in Silicon Valley and he is an American treasure.

The Startup Game: Inside the Partnership between Venture Capitalists and Entrepreneurs

United States on Nov 13, 2011

Wendy J. McGowan: This was one of the most interesting non-fiction books I've read in a long while. Draper tells it like it is. His examples of successful start-ups, primarily in Silicon Valley, are eye-opening to the reader who has little or no knowledge of this side of business. I've met several of the entrepreneurs Draper introduces the reader to, but I've never understood the relationship between the venture capitalist and the entrepreneur very well. Now, I understand many of the ins and outs. Draper's style is easy-going, almost chatty, and takes, what might be a "dry" subject and brings it to life. I also thought it interesting to learn about the three generations of Draper's as venture capitalists. Whether one is seeking funding to start up a fledgling business or just looking for an interesting read, "The Start-Up Game" will inspire you.

United States on Apr 25, 2011

Timbo: This book is a very interesting history of venture capital in general and Silicon Valley specifically. It's worth reading for these subjects alone.

But, it's fair to say that VC in this era essentially won the lottery. The wealth creation in this era may be unparalleled in human history and was an intersection of: (1) post-war, Cold War military electronic technology and innovations; (2) the mass migration of smart people to California; (3) a long economic up cycle in which businesses were buying technology; and (4) government stimulus of technology and innovation. The venture capital culture certainly promoted risk taking to some degree, but to seriously take credit for much of what happened during this period would be like the rooster thinking that his crowing makes the sun rise.

Also, Mr. Draper had the added benefit of having VC in his family blood, and furthermore was of course well connected because of an Ivy League education and the easy access to the channels of power that come along with that privilege.

I therefore give this book a 3, for telling a story and for being an easy read. I am afraid I need to deduct from the rating because...

United States on Apr 07, 2011

Thomas M. Loarie: "The Startup Game: Inside The Partnership Between Venture Capitalists And Entrepreneurs" is more of an autobiography than the what's, how's, and "why's of the startup world. Bill Draper, a pioneer and giant in Silicon Valley, provides a good historical perspective on the emergence of Silicon Valley, his (and his firm's) role in its creation, his interest and eventual career stint in public service (the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the United Nations Development Program), the creation of the cutting-edge DFJ Global Network of venture investing, and the creation of the Draper Richards Foundation which is focused on seeding nonprofit organizations.

First time entrepreneurs may find Draper's chapters "How it Works," "What it Takes," and "Finding the Exit" insightful and useful. Those who have been in the game longer will not find much new here but should find the "Startup Game" a good read due to Draper's role in the creation of the "Valley."

For me, I found the chapters on the creation of the DFJ global network and "The Business of Philanthropy" to be the most relevant and of greatest interest. I have been involved in China for two years...

United States on Mar 27, 2011