I just finished an extremely interesting book on entrepreneurship by Peter Thiel – Zero to One, and thought of sharing what I look as take away from the same.
For me the books sheds light on some of the subtle but important factors that would compose a high impact tech ventures. The essence of the following questions is what the book really delivers.
- The Engineering Question – Can you create breakthrough technology instead of incremental improvements?
- The Timing Question – Is now the right time to start your particular business?
- The Monopoly Question – Are you starting with a big share of a small market?
- The People Question – Do you have the right team?
- The Distribution Question – Do you have a way to not just create but deliver your product?
- The Durability Question – Will your market position be defensible 10 and 20 years into the future?
- The Secret Question – Have you identified a unique opportunity that others don’t see?
I would recommend this book to every one who is thinking of starting a tech venture, and may be re-read it!