The Founder's Dilemmas

February 20, 2012
In this seminal work on the startup phase of the entrepreneurial venture, Harvard Business School professor Wasserman shares his findings from a decade of research on common issues faced by founders. The author not only addresses the traditional issues of entrepreneurship such as startup capital, equity agreements, and compensation, but also delves into human capital issues, tackling meaty topics, such as founder motivation, early influences, and the pros and cons of starting a business with a family member, significant other, or friends (as well as the probability of success under various scenarios). With a research-driven approach and scholarly tone, this hefty text escapes the tediousness that characterizes some academic works through the use of anecdotes about real-life founders, each very different, whose stories are woven through the chapters. Also peppered throughout are observations of such well-known entrepreneurs as Apple’s Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and Microsoft’s Paul Allen. Sure to be required reading in business school curricula, this illuminating and captivating read will also appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs or founders who want to make better decisions in existing ventures.

May 15, 2012

Many unsuccessful business ventures blame external factors when assessing their own failure. Wasserman (business administration, Harvard Business Sch.) takes a decidedly different approach, investigating the lesser-known, internal pitfalls that can derail new businesses. Beginning with the premise that most failed fledgling businesses succumbed to "friendly fire or self-inflicted wounds," Wasserman expertly takes readers through the most common dilemmas that dog startups and demonstrates ways to encourage success and longevity. Topics discussed include the tricky dynamics of teams, interpersonal relationships, job roles, hiring, investors, and the personalities of founders themselves. Woven throughout the lessons are relevant stories about individuals who faced startup challenges and how those challenges were resolved. Wasserman examines the practices of the founders of Blogger and Twitter and other well-known business people. VERDICT Ten years of extensive research combined with winning case studies make this a trustworthy source not only for the potential startup owner but also for the classroom.--Poppy Johnson-Renvall, Central New Mexico Community Coll., Albuquerque

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2015

Wasserman concentrates on the human relationships that can save or destroy a fledgling company. Roughly twice as long as the average business book, Founder's Dilemma is well researched and includes statistics, graphs, charts, and case studies.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.