Startup Rising Book Summary - Startup Rising Book explained in key points

Startup Rising summary

Christopher M. Schroeder

The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East

12 mins

Brief summary

"Startup Rising" by Christopher M. Schroeder is an insightful book that showcases the growth of tech startups in the Middle East and North Africa region, highlighting opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in the field.

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    Startup Rising
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    Innovative entrepreneurship is on the rise in the Middle East.

    Today, innovation is happening all over the world, and economic success is appearing in even the most unlikely places.

    Consider the fact that Nokia was created in Finland – a country mostly known for its wood products. Similarly, M-Pesa, a company that represents almost half of all mobile payments globally, was created in Kenya.

    So why is so much innovation happening outside the bounds of Silicon Valley? Well, it’s partly because of the rapid rise of cheap, easy access to software and information.

    And today, that innovation is now also happening in the Middle East, with the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs. And major global private equity firms, investors and tech companies are taking notice. Google, Intel, Cisco, Yahoo!, LinkedIn and PayPal have all made significant investments in the Middle East, despite political instability. Google, for example, has recently opened an office in Cairo.

    So what’s behind the Middle East’s entrepreneurial rise? Well, there are three main factors.

    First, technology offers an irreversible level of transparency, connectivity and inexpensive access to capital and markets. The rising generation of entrepreneurs has never known a world before tech, and it’s still a young market overall, with over 100 million people under the age of 15.

    The second factor behind the Middle East’s rise in innovation is that today’s investors are comfortable with political risk. The impressive economic growth of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) has shown the world that political instability needn’t deter investment.

    And there’s one more factor supporting the Middle East’s entrepreneurial rise: Although changing market dynamics and economic growth were set in motion before the uprisings, it was the uprisings themselves that persuaded younger generations that the world was ripe for change. What once seemed impossible now seems attainable, and they feel that they can make a difference in their countries and in their economies.

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    What is Startup Rising about?

    The Arab Spring uprisings left much of the Middle East politically unchanged, but they made a whole lot of noise. And yet there’s a second, quieter revolution taking place in the same region – and it’s all about the rise of tech and entrepreneurialism. Through stories of Middle Eastern entrepreneurs living in Beirut, Amman, Dubai, Istanbul and elsewhere, Startup Rising shows an entire region reinventing itself as a center of economic opportunity.

    Startup Rising Review

    Startup Rising (2013) explores the growing entrepreneurial culture in the Middle East and why it is worth paying attention to. Here's what makes this book special and interesting:

    • It offers a deep dive into the startup ecosystem in the Middle East, showcasing the stories of successful entrepreneurs and their innovative ventures.
    • By highlighting the challenges and opportunities unique to the region, it provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors interested in this emerging market.
    • The book's engaging narratives and firsthand accounts make it an enjoyable read, shedding light on the vibrant startup scene in the Middle East.

    Best quote from Startup Rising

    The West may be missing an unobvious opportunity of historic proportion. - Peter Thiel.

    —Christopher M. Schroeder
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    Who should read Startup Rising?

    • Anyone who’s fascinated by the Middle East, and wants to know more about life after the Arab Spring
    • Anyone keen to learn about the global impact of technology and entrepreneurship
    • Anyone interested in the role women play in the Arab world’s tech space

    About the Author

    Christopher M. Schroeder is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He has written extensively on start-ups and the Middle East for the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, TechCrunch and others.

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    Startup Rising FAQs 

    What is the main message of Startup Rising?

    The main message of Startup Rising is that the Middle East is a growing hub for innovative startups and entrepreneurs.

    How long does it take to read Startup Rising?

    The reading time for Startup Rising varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Startup Rising a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Startup Rising is a fascinating read that sheds light on the potential of the Middle East's startup ecosystem. It's definitely worth reading for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

    Who is the author of Startup Rising?

    Christopher M. Schroeder is the author of Startup Rising.

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