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The Upstarts

How Uber, Airbnb and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World

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The Upstarts

By: Brad Stone
Narrated by: Mr Dean Temple
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About this listen

New York Times best-selling author of The Everything Store Brad Stone takes us deep inside the new Silicon Valley.

Ten years ago the idea of getting into a stranger's car or walking into a stranger's home would have seemed bizarre and dangerous, but today it's as common as ordering a book online. Uber and Airbnb are household names: redefining neighbourhoods, challenging the way governments regulate business and changing the way we travel.

In the spirit of iconic Silicon Valley renegades like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, a new generation of entrepreneurs is sparking yet another cultural upheaval through technology. They are among the Upstarts, idiosyncratic founders with limitless drive and an abundance of self-confidence. Young, hungry and brilliant, they are rewriting the traditional rules of business, changing our day-to-day lives and often sidestepping serious ethical and legal obstacles in the process.

The Upstarts is the definitive account of a dawning age of tenacity, creativity, conflict and wealth. In Brad Stone's highly anticipated and riveting account of the most radical companies of the new Silicon Valley, we find out how it all started and how the world is wildly different than it was 10 years ago.

©2017 Brad Stone (P)2017 Penguin Random House UK Business Development & Entrepreneurship E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Management Management & Leadership Business Commerce Thought-Provoking Leadership Silicon Valley Inspiring Technology

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All stars
Most relevant  
A great listen into the insight of how these two extremely successful companies grew and continue to do so. Also gives insight how they both had to overcome/bend/influence local laws to get wanted they wanted.

Very interesting listen

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This book has offered many interesting insights and it was fascinating to hear the stories and challenges of the uprise of Uber and Airbnb in such a detailed way. If you're a founder you will find plenty of valuable takeaways too.

Very detailed and well structured story

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Would you listen to The Upstarts again? Why?

Yes. Really great reveal of disruptive business and the wrestle between success and challenge. Well researched, balanced & motivating

Who was your favorite character and why?

All 4 of the main protagonist companies

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The title: "The Upstarts" perfectly relevant

Any additional comments?

A great mix of motivation to grow and disrupt in your own space, fun, educational, unique & balanced. A great piece of work.

My favourite audiobook of 2017 (out of 100s)

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Thought it would be more insightful into the business practices and not just at times a statement of facts or events.

Somerimes long-winded.

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both uber and airbnb are well known and this book paints the history very well. their technical barriers seemed like the easy parts. the battles with people and government seemed to be the biggest battle. really interesting to see how they copied so well with it.

great story about the battles of the startups

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I liked hearing about the various challenges that the founders encountered, it was also entertaining to hear how they repeatedly tried to skirt regulation. I was particularly fascinated by how they approached being threatened by legal action and how they dealt with competition.

I would recommend this audiobook, the content was good and the performance was clear and engaging.

Interesting insight into these recent unicorns

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I have loved this book. It has given me an insight into how Uber, AirB&B and other startups went from idea to Unicorns... Literally took me from being totally ignorant about how much goes into the idea, build up and creation of big tech startups, to having great respect and admiration for all those involved regardless of all the things we hear in the media whirlwinds. I have a new found understanding and admiration for all... Totally recommend reading this book.

From ignorance to knowledge

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Good story, and understanding of these entrepreneurs - although could be more take away lessons, still the emotions you feel about the companies and how ruthless you need to be as an entrepreneur in some industries is quite a great lesson.

Good story, and understanding of these entrepreneurs

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Started strong - and it as clearly very very well researched - but i have to admit it did get a little tedious in the second half. Still a good book if you are interested in the formation of huge companies.

Started strong

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I really enjoyed listening to this, the huge successes of uber and Airbnb have been a mix of hard work, unforeseeable events and rock solid core beliefs in their business ideas by their founders.

Fascinating insights

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