15 Best Books for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business in 2025

Starting a business is a thrilling yet daunting endeavor, filled with unique challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time founder, equipping yourself with the right knowledge can make all the difference. As we move into 2025, the business landscape is evolving rapidly due to technology, societal changes, and economic trends. Here’s a curated list of 15 essential books that will inspire, educate, and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.

1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries

Ries’ classic remains a cornerstone for entrepreneurs. The Lean Startup methodology emphasizes agility and iterative testing for new products, which is invaluable in today’s fast-paced market. Learn how to pivot and refine your ideas based on real customer feedback.

2. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

Understanding your “why” can be the driving force behind your business. Sinek guides readers in discovering their purpose, which can resonate with customers and inspire teams, setting a foundation for long-term success.

3. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

Entrepreneurship demands resilience and effective habits. Clear’s insights into building positive habits can empower you to develop the discipline necessary for navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.

4. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel

Thiel offers a thought-provoking perspective on innovation and competition. This book pushes entrepreneurs to think critically about how to create a unique product or service that can propel them from “zero to one,” rather than merely replicating existing models.

5. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

Understanding cultural and societal shifts can offer entrepreneurs a broader perspective on market needs and behavior. Harari’s exploration of humanity’s evolution can inspire innovative thinking about future trends.

6. “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber

Gerber demystifies the common misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship. His insights into the systems and processes necessary for running a successful small business are particularly useful for new entrepreneurs.

7. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins

Collins examines what makes certain companies soar above the rest. By studying successful businesses, this book offers actionable insights that can guide you in making your own venture great.

8. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

In this brutally honest book, Horowitz shares the real challenges of being an entrepreneur. His insights into management, decision-making, and the emotional rollercoaster of running a business help prepare aspiring founders for the realities of entrepreneurship.

9. “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown

Brown advocates for courageous leadership and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Her principles can help entrepreneurs build trusting teams and navigate the complexities of human behavior in business.

10. “The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau

Guillebeau profiles successful entrepreneurs who turned small investments into thriving businesses. This book is filled with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to start a business on a budget.

11. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini

Understanding human psychology is key to successful marketing and sales. Cialdini’s principles of persuasion can empower entrepreneurs to effectively communicate their value proposition to customers.

12. “Remote: Office Not Required” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

As remote work continues to reshape the business landscape, this book provides insights into building and managing a remote team successfully, which is especially pertinent in 2025.

13. “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

This book encourages entrepreneurs to create uncontested market spaces, rather than competing in overcrowded markets. The tools and frameworks presented can help you innovate and differentiate your offering.

14. “The Future of Work” by Jacob Morgan

As we look towards 2025, Morgan explores how work is changing and what the workplace of the future will look like. Understanding these trends will help entrepreneurs adapt and thrive in the coming years.

15. “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp

Tharp emphasizes the importance of creativity in business. This book provides practical exercises to enhance your creative skills, essential for problem-solving and innovation as an entrepreneur.