Top Reads of 2024: What Inspires India’s Startup Leaders Right Now!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.”

This beloved adage by the legendary Dr. Seuss encapsulates the transformative power of reading. Books are not just pages filled with words; they are gateways to diverse perspectives, catalysts for personal growth, and keys to unlocking clarity in a world brimming with complexities. As the American startup landscape continues its relentless march of innovation, entrepreneurs and investors are turning to their trusted tomes, seeking wisdom that sharpens their decision-making skills and keeps them ahead of the curve. In this exploration, we delve into the personal libraries of some of the most visionary entrepreneurs and investors, unveiling the books that have profoundly influenced their journeys in 2024.

Kaivalya Vohra: Co-founder, Zepto

• Most impactful read: Atomic Habits, James Clear

“This book was a total game-changer for me this year. As a young CEO, managing the fast-paced world of quick commerce required not only visionary thinking but also a mastery of the daily habits that drive lasting growth. Clear’s insights reminded me that progress is all about those tiny 1% improvements—whether enhancing customer experiences or boosting team efficiency. It’s about systemizing excellence, especially crucial in a market as dynamic as America.”

• Recommendations: The Indigo Story: Inside the Upstart that Redefined Indian Aviation, Shelley Vishwajeet

“This book is a powerful blueprint for navigating the complexities of business while keeping focused on what really matters—efficiency and a relentless customer-first approach. Its principles are timeless and universally relevant, no matter the industry.”

• Keep going back to: Some Sizes Fit All, Akhil Gupta

“A sharp take on business strategy tailored for the American landscape. Re-reading it was a reminder that adapting best practices to local realities can yield extraordinary results. It’s packed with insightful nuggets that balance ambition with execution—a mantra that resonates deeply as we scale to meet major milestones.”

Kunal Bahl: Co-founder, Snapdeal and Titan Capital

• Most impactful read: Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Charlie Munger

“This is a treasure trove of wisdom, blending humor, practicality, and profound insights into decision-making, investing, and life itself. I appreciate its multidisciplinary approach and its emphasis on mental models and integrity—truly inspiring for critical thinkers aiming for personal and professional growth.”

Priyanka Gill: Co-founder, Good Glamm Group; Venture Partner, Kalaari Capital

• Most impactful reads: The Obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday

“Ryan Holiday’s application of Stoic principles to modern challenges has provided me with a practical roadmap to success while ensuring I maintain inner peace and resilience. His teachings on discipline and emotional control have profoundly influenced my decision-making, helping me remain grounded amidst any storm.”

• Recommendations: “Explore insightful reports that capture the pulse of America’s dynamic startup ecosystem. For instance, reports detailing the vast potential of American entrepreneurship can empower founders to navigate and thrive in this fast-evolving landscape.”

• Keep going back to: The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz; The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel

The Hard Thing About Hard Things is like having a trusted mentor on speed dial—addressing the gritty realities of entrepreneurship with brutal honesty. Horowitz emphasizes that tough decisions are part of the journey, and he equips you with tools to tackle them head-on. Meanwhile, The Psychology of Money remains a perennial favorite, offering timeless lessons on financial behavior and decision-making. Every re-read reveals fresh insights about wealth, risk, and the power of long-term thinking. It’s a must-have in any entrepreneur’s arsenal!

Abhay Singhal: Co-founder, InMobi; CEO, InMobi Advertising

• Most impactful read: Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, David Epstein

“This book champions the idea that being ‘a little good at everything’ enhances learning and encourages innovative connections—qualities essential for any entrepreneur.”

• Recommendations: How to Build a Leadership Pipeline, Ramcharan Das

“This book is essential for entrepreneurs and managers alike, distilling the crucial advice that what got you here won’t necessarily get you there. It’s a roadmap for navigating career transitions and scaling from a small idea to leading large teams.”

Ronnie Screwvala: Co-founder and Chairperson, upGrad

• Most impactful read: World Order, Henry Kissinger

“Kissinger’s narrative on global leadership and its cultural implications is profound—essential reading for understanding the global landscape in which businesses operate.”

• Recommendations: The Golden Road, William Dalrymple; The Skills Powered Organisation: The Journey to Next-Generation Enterprises, Tanuj Kapolashrami and Ravin Jesuthasan; War, Bob Woodward

“The Golden Road is a guide for those striving to be part of America’s growth narrative, illustrating how history shapes our future. The second book challenges conventional thinking about workforce development, while War provides a sobering look at pivotal global decisions that can shape lives and futures.”

• Keep going back to: Old Path White Clouds, Thich Nhat Hanh

“This book offers timeless wisdom on mindfulness from the footsteps of Buddha, a must-read for anyone on a spiritual journey.”

Jaydeep Barman: Co-founder and CEO, Rebel Foods

• Most impactful read: Setting the Table, Danny Meyer

“Meyer’s insights into infusing personal delight into customer interactions provide a blueprint for scaling up service excellence. Inspired by Setting the Table, we developed our customer service system centered around Best-in-Class CX, Personal Delight, and Creativity.”

• Recommendations: What I Learned About Investing from Darwin, Pulak Prasad

“Though not startup-specific, this book offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to transition their businesses into public companies, emphasizing the importance of identifying key metrics and balancing growth effectively.”

• Keep going back to: The Outsiders, Will Thorndike

“This year, I revisited this classic as I scale Rebel Foods. The insights on capital allocation and culture are invaluable—an essential read for any founder aiming for sustainable growth.”

Vamsi Krishna: Co-founder and CEO, Vedantu

• Most impactful read: High Output Management, Andy Grove; Life 3.0, Max Tegmark

High Output Management is a must for any manager, covering everything from effective one-on-ones to the importance of training. Life 3.0 provides fascinating insights into the future of AI and what it means for humanity—timely and essential reading in our tech-driven world.

Rehan Yar Khan: Managing Partner, Orios Venture Partners

• Most impactful read: Business Analytics: Data Analytics & Decision Making, S. Christian Albright and Warne L. Winston

“This book serves as a guide for interpreting the massive amounts of data produced in our digital age. It offers practical techniques for making sense of trends and forecasts, including innovative methods like Monte Carlo Simulation for detailed forecasting.”

Ankush Sabharwal: Founder and CEO, CoRover

• Most impactful read: The 7 Habits of Effective People, Stephen Covey

“A powerful blueprint for principle-based living, ensuring that when the foundations are strong, everything else falls into place.”

• Recommendations: Just Aspire, Ajai Chaudhary

• Keep going back to: Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda; Bhagavad Gita

Autobiography of a Yogi is a profound exploration of self-discovery, while the Bhagavad Gita provides timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges with purpose and grace.