Do you know any comprehensive guides on the business side of a startup?

2 pointsdragos213y ago8 comments

I'm looking for a book/guide that explains all (or most) the business stuff you should know when starting a company.

8 comments

7 comments · 3 top-level

ig113y ago· 2 in thread

You realize that's like asking for a comprehensive book that explains technology ?

If you gave some examples of the type of content you're looking for it might help people suggest appropriate reading materials.

dragos2OP13y ago

I do now. I'm not trying to learn everything about business. I just want some good books with basic business information. Such as: differences between organizational types (LLC, INC, etc), information on shares, investments, investors, equity.

I can't say specifically what I want to read about, because I have no idea about what knowledge is required for running a company.

To somehow rephrase my question - I'm interested in a something that could be titled "Business for dummies" or "The business side of a startup".

I hope I'm clear enough.

gyardley13y ago

It sounds like you're interested in the legal and bureaucratic mechanics of it all.

While you can also find all the content scattered around his blog archives, Brad Feld's 'Venture Deals' puts it all in organized book form.

Keep in mind that Feld's book focuses heavily on the venture-backed side of startupland and you're missing the other part of the picture. For that, buy a basic guide or two on setting up your business from someone like NOLO.

This stuff won't teach you how to run a business, it'll just teach you about the paperwork. It's still useful information to know, though.

1 more reply

chanced13y ago· 1 in thread

I suggest the following books:

- The Lean Startup [http://amzn.to/X3SYp0]

- Rework [http://amzn.to/14DHIXG]

- Art of the Start [http://amzn.to/Vt4aMj]

dragos2OP13y ago

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try them out.

jkaykin13y ago· 1 in thread

Business is like sex. You can't learn it in a book ;)

dragos2OP13y ago

You can learn anything from books. Even sex. The hands on approach is good only after you have some basic knowledge.

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