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

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.

"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 and have a real appreciation for the globalization of innovation and venture capital. DFJ has been a leader in both.I was unaware of the Draper Foundation and its sponsorship of social entrepreneurship. What a grand effort! The author provides information on 23 of their investments in this area. As a result, I am now a full-fledged member of KIVA, a nonprofit focused on alleviating poverty by giving entrepreneurs in the developing world access to capital through microloans. A personal loan of as little as $25 in conjunction with many others goes a long way in helping deserving projects get off the ground.

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 I feel that Mr. Draper's success was preordained, and thus didn't really highlight any significant business acumen that set him apart. I also need to deduct from the rating because he neglects to mention much about intellectual property, which is the cornerstone of technology companies.

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

This was an incredible story that inspires and educates the soul. The Draper family has brought us all amazing advancements that we use everyday (Yahoo which led to Google, Hotmail which led to free email for anyone,...). From the generosity of their grandfather cutting $25 checks to friends who "need it more than we do" - while he returned his own Christmas presents to do so - during the Great Depression, we can see how our own small ordinary acts can create greatness for us, our children, and our world. You owe it to yourself and your kids to read this book.Anything is possible. Do your own impossibility.

Great Insights on the relationship between the E and VCGreat read and a must for all the Entrepreneurs around the Globe

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.

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.

all good