Best Venture Capital Books of 2026

Burn the Boats by Matt Higgins is a compelling self-help book that draws inspiration from the tactics of military leaders and successful entrepreneurs throughout history. The author argues that burning the boats and going all-in on a mission is the key to achieving perpetual growth and success. With actionable advice and real-life success stories, readers can apply the lessons learned in their own lives. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to reinvent their career or achieve their greatest dreams.

The book "Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork" by Dan Sullivan is a guide for entrepreneurs who want to achieve explosive growth in their business and personal life. The book teaches readers to shift their mindset from "How can I do this?" to "Who can do this for me?" and build a team of people who can help them accomplish their goals. By mastering this question, readers can immediately free-up 1,000+ hours of work and build teams of WHOs to support them in their vision. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve success without sacrificing their time and energy.

Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist is an essential guidebook for entrepreneurs, lawyers, and venture capitalists involved in VC deals. The authors, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson, founders of the Foundry Group, provide valuable insights into venture capital structure, strategy, and the VC term sheet. The book is fully updated to reflect the intricacies of startups and entrepreneurship in today's dynamic economic environment, including chapters on legal and procedural considerations relevant to fundraising, gender issues, ICOs, and economic terms. The authors draw from their years of practical experience in the VC arena to help readers navigate the complex world of venture capital financing.

The Chaos Machine is an eye-opening account of the inner workings of social media and how it has impacted our world. Max Fisher, a New York Times investigative reporter, delves into the psychological tactics used by social media giants to drive engagement and increase profits. He also explores the devastating consequences of their actions, including the spread of hate speech and misinformation that has led to a polarized society. Fisher weaves together stories of those who have raised the alarm and defected from Silicon Valley to reveal what is happening behind closed doors. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of social media and its impact on our lives.

For Blood and Money is a gripping narrative that follows a team at a biotech start-up in California on their journey to create a wonder drug that can stop cancer in its tracks. Nathan Vardi, a veteran financial journalist, delves into the multibillion-dollar business of biotech and examines the challenges of bringing new drugs to market. This nonfiction read is a tale of ambition, greed, and desperation that immerses readers in the world of corporate intrigue and ambiguous morality. Overall, For Blood and Money is a fascinating and often disturbing account of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry that sheds light on the high-stakes world of drug development.

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making is a book filled with personal stories, practical advice, and fascinating insights into some of the most impactful products and people of the 20th century. Written by Tony Fadell, the creator of the iPod, iPhone, and Nest Learning Thermostat, this book is an advice encyclopedia and a mentor in a box for anyone who wants to grow at work. Fadell's unorthodox advice is old school, but it works. He believes that you don't have to reinvent how you lead and manage, just what you make. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and design.

This book, "How to Invest: Masters on the Craft," is a New York Times bestseller that features conversations with some of the biggest names in finance. David M. Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, distills everything he’s learned about the art and craft of investing, from venture capital, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, to crypto, endowments, SPACs, ESG, and more. With unprecedented access to global leaders in finance, Rubenstein has assembled the most authoritative book of its kind. This book is an inspiring collection of interviews and a helpful compendium of advice, devoid of hard sells or razzle-dazzle. It is an excellent starting point for readers interested in the world of investment.

Process! by Gino Wickman and team is a must-read for business leaders seeking to streamline and optimize their processes. The book delves into the EOS method, which emphasizes the importance of discipline and consistency to achieve exceptional results and increase creativity. The authors debunk the myth that rigor and structure inhibit freedom, showing that the opposite is true. With a step-by-step plan, this book helps readers identify their core processes, simplify them, and execute them effectively. Overall, Process! is an insightful and practical guide that can benefit businesses of all sizes.

The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 16th Edition: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines is a must-read for communication design and illustration professionals. It provides comprehensive guidance on pricing, payment collection, and protecting creative work, as well as practical tips on negotiating deals, pricing services accurately, and creating contracts that safeguard rights. The book also includes updated information, listings, and pricing guidelines. The content is well-organized, and the new chapter on maximizing income with multiple revenue streams is particularly useful. The inclusion of model contracts and forms makes it easy to adapt to specific needs. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone looking to build a successful freelance business in the graphic arts industry.