Top 20 Must-Read Books for Entrepreneurs in 2025

As an entrepreneur, gaining perspective on your startup and the business world is crucial for success. One effective way to do this is by reading books written by successful entrepreneurs who have paved the way before you. These books offer valuable insights, lessons, and inspiration that can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. To help you on your journey, here is a curated list of 20 books that every entrepreneur should read in 2025.

“Build the Damn Thing” by Kathryn Finney is a Wall Street Journal bestseller that provides a guide for entrepreneurs who may feel marginalized in the business world. The book offers practical advice on business plans, team growth, investors, and product development, empowering entrepreneurs to take their rightful place in the industry.

“Burn Rate” by Andy Dunn is a memoir that delves into the challenges of scaling a startup and the toll it can take on mental health. Dunn’s candid account sheds light on the blurred lines between work and personal life, offering valuable lessons on maintaining balance and well-being while building a business.

“Competing in the Age of AI” by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani explores the impact of artificial intelligence on businesses and provides insights on leveraging AI for growth. The book offers strategies for rethinking operating models, managing risks, and seizing opportunities in the digital age.

“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown is a New York Times bestseller that redefines leadership beyond traditional notions of power and authority. Brown emphasizes the importance of courage, vulnerability, accountability, and clear values in effective leadership, qualities that are essential for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business.

“Financial Intelligence” by Karen Berman and Joe Knight is a comprehensive guide to understanding business finances. The book simplifies complex financial concepts and offers practical insights into interpreting financial data, making informed decisions, and driving business success.

“Launch” by Jeff Walker provides a blueprint for launching and growing an online business. Walker shares strategies for building a business from the ground up, even with limited resources, offering practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Move Fast and Fix Things” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss challenges conventional notions of leadership and innovation. The book advocates for creating a culture of trust and excellence, where teams can move quickly without compromising communication and collaboration.

“Primal Leadership” by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee explores the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. The book highlights the importance of empathy, collaboration, and motivation in driving business success, especially in today’s volatile and interconnected world.

“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight is a memoir that chronicles the journey of building Nike from a startup to a global powerhouse. Knight’s honest account of the challenges, failures, and triumphs in entrepreneurship offers valuable lessons for aspiring business owners.

“The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship” by Andreas Widmer outlines a values-based approach to entrepreneurship. Widmer emphasizes the importance of human-centered values in business, showcasing how ethical leadership and social impact can drive enduring success.

“The Daily Entrepreneur” by S.J. Scott and Rebecca Livermore offers practical habits for small business owners and freelancers. The book provides actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles, increasing productivity, and achieving entrepreneurial success.

“The Greater Good” by Madeleine Shaw is a guide to social entrepreneurship for individuals looking to create positive change. Shaw’s insights on leveraging personal values and passions to drive social impact offer inspiration for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz is a candid account of the challenges of building and managing a startup. Horowitz’s practical advice and real-world experiences provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of business.

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries introduces a new approach to entrepreneurship focused on continuous innovation and validated learning. Ries’ methodology empowers entrepreneurs to test their ideas, adapt to feedback, and iterate quickly to achieve success.

“The Outsiders” by William N. Thorndike Jr. profiles unconventional CEOs who achieved extraordinary success through strategic capital allocation. The book offers valuable lessons on leadership, decision-making, and creating shareholder value for entrepreneurs seeking to drive business growth.

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is a timeless guide to personal and professional effectiveness. Covey’s principles-centered approach offers actionable habits for solving problems, building relationships, and achieving success in business and life.

“Virtual Freedom” by Chris Ducker explores the benefits of building a virtual team for small business owners. Ducker’s guide to working with virtual employees offers practical tips for outsourcing tasks, increasing productivity, and scaling your business efficiently.

“Work Smarter” by Nick Loper is a resource hub for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and achieve their goals. Loper’s curated list of online resources and tools provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to boost productivity and efficiency.

“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel challenges entrepreneurs to think differently and create new innovations. Thiel’s insights on building the future through original ideas and disruptive thinking offer inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

“48-Hour Start-up” by Fraser Doherty offers a quick-start guide to launching a business in just one weekend. Doherty’s practical tips and online tools provide a shortcut for entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality quickly.

In conclusion, reading books written by successful entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights, inspiration, and guidance for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. By learning from the experiences and wisdom of those who have come before you, you can gain a fresh perspective on your startup and the business world, setting yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.