Zero to One: Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future

Physical

In Circulation

The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system. The next Larry Page or Sergey Brin won’t make a search engine. If you are copying these guys, you aren’t learning from them.

It’s easier to copy a model than to make something new: doing what we already know how to do takes the world from 1 to n, adding more of something familiar. Every new creation goes from 0 to 1. This book is about how to get there.

What will you learn from this book

Monopoly Power: Thiel argues that successful startups should aim for monopoly power rather than competing in crowded markets. A monopoly allows a company to capture long-term value and maintain a strong market position.
Innovation: Thiel emphasizes the importance of creating something truly innovative, moving from zero to one, rather than copying existing ideas or engaging in incremental improvements (going from one to n).
Secrets and Contrarian Thinking: Successful startups often uncover and leverage hidden truths or secrets that others have overlooked. Thiel encourages entrepreneurs to think contrarian and challenge conventional wisdom.
Vertical Progress: Vertical progress involves creating something entirely new or groundbreaking. Thiel suggests that this type of progress is more valuable than horizontal progress, which involves expanding on existing ideas.
Founding Team: The composition and dynamics of the founding team are crucial. A strong, complementary team with a shared vision can significantly contribute to a startup's success.
Long-Term Thinking: Thiel advocates for a focus on long-term goals and planning. Successful companies build lasting value rather than pursuing short-term gains.
Sales and Distribution: Building a great product is not enough; a successful startup also needs an effective sales and distribution strategy. Thiel highlights the importance of reaching customers and scaling distribution.
Technology as a Driver: Technological innovation is a key driver of successful startups. Thiel encourages entrepreneurs to leverage technology to create transformative products and services.
Risk-Taking: Successful entrepreneurs take calculated risks. Thiel advises against avoiding risks altogether and instead advocates for understanding and managing risks effectively.
Lean Startups: Thiel challenges the notion of lean startups and suggests that great companies are not built on the principles of staying small and being agile. Instead, he encourages entrepreneurs to aim for a substantial and lasting impact.

Language	English
ISBN-10	0753555190
ISBN-13	9780753555194
No of pages	210
Font Size	Medium
Book Publisher	Random House
Published Date	18 Sep 2014

About Author

Author : Peter Thiel

2 Books

Peter Thiel is an entrepreneur and investor. He started PayPal in 1998, led it as CEO, and took it public in 2002, defining a new era of fast and secure online commerce. In 2004 he made the first outside investment in Facebook, where he serves as a director. The same year he launched Palantir Technologies, a software company that harnesses computers to empower human analysts in fields like national security and global finance.

He has provided early funding for LinkedIn, Yelp, and dozens of successful technology startups, many run by former colleagues who have been dubbed the "PayPal Mafia." He is a partner at Founders Fund, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm that has funded companies like SpaceX and Airbnb.

He started the Thiel Fellowship, which ignited a national debate by encouraging young people to put learning before schooling, and he leads the Thiel Foundation, which works to advance technological progress and long-term thinking about the future.