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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Upstarts summary
How Uber, Airbnb and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley are Changing the World
12 mins
Brief summary
The Upstarts by Brad Stone is a business book that tells the stories of Airbnb and Uber. It provides insights into how they disrupted the market and tackled challenges to become the giants they are today.
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The Upstarts
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The term “upstart” is used for mega start-ups like Airbnb and Uber.
Companies like Airbnb and Uber that have grown rapidly to become phenomenally successful are hardly start-ups anymore. They’ve shown they like to tussle with the big boys, and they’ve paid scant respect to the usual ways of doing business. We can call such companies upstarts.
Both Airbnb and Uber are renowned all over the world and business is booming. And that’s despite the fact that unlike many other major companies, they don’t actually have any physical assets.
Airbnb might at first glance appear to act like the world's largest hotel company. Except, of course, it doesn’t own the rooms that get rented out.
Equally, we think of Uber as the world’s largest car service. But it doesn’t even have its own fleet.
In part, the freedom granted by this lack of assets helps explain how these companies have been able to expand so far and so quickly. In the world of tech, speed and flexibility are crucial to success.
We also shouldn't underestimate just how massive these businesses are. They’re what are known as unicorns, start-up giants worth more than a billion dollars.
In 2016, Airbnb was valued at $30 billion, and Uber at $68 billion.
Airbnb’s meteoric rise was largely assisted by venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, one of its first big investors. In turn, Sequoia Capital has reaped huge returns. In fact, the amounts it earns from similar investments in Google and WhatsApp are chickenfeed in comparison.
But of course, to become this successful requires a lot of effort and sometimes a rather ruthless approach to business.
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What is The Upstarts about?
The Upstarts (2017) is about the new generation of start-ups in tech, in particular, Airbnb and Uber, and the impact they’ve had on the world. It takes a deep look at the people behind the companies and how they got to where they are today, as well as where they might go from here.
The Upstarts Review
The Upstarts (2017) delves into the rise of two groundbreaking companies, Uber and Airbnb, and the challenges they faced in disrupting traditional industries. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- With in-depth research and interviews, it uncovers the untold stories behind these revolutionary startups, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of tech entrepreneurship.
- It explores the ethical and legal implications of these disruptors, provoking thought and raising important questions about the future of our economy and society.
- Through compelling storytelling and vivid descriptions, the book brings to life the personalities, conflicts, and triumphs of the individuals behind these companies, making it a truly captivating read.
Best quote from The Upstarts
Its up to us to hold them to their promises . . . They are the new architects of the twenty-first century, every bit as powerful as political leaders.
—Brad Stone
Who should read The Upstarts?
- Entrepreneurs
- Business students
- Anyone interested in the new tech economy
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The Upstarts FAQs
What is the main message of The Upstarts?
The Upstarts explores the rise of Uber and Airbnb, highlighting the importance of innovation and disruption in the business world.
How long does it take to read The Upstarts?
The reading time for The Upstarts varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Upstarts a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Upstarts is a fascinating read about the rise of two tech giants. It offers valuable insights into the world of startups and the sharing economy.
Who is the author of The Upstarts?
The author of The Upstarts is Brad Stone.
What to read after The Upstarts?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Upstarts, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Airbnb Story by Leigh Gallagher
- The Art of Travel by Alain De Botton
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- Meaningful by Bernadette Jiwa
- Masters of Uncertainty by Rich Diviney
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- The Productivity Diet by Mike Vardy
- The Cold Start Problem by Andrew Chen
- Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol