Backable

The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You

By: Suneel Gupta, Carlye Adler

Narrated by: Suneel Gupta, Carlye Adler, Landon Woodson, Natalie Naudus

A groundbreaking book that boldly claims the key to success in business is not talent, connections, or ideas, but the ability to persuade people to take a chance on potential.

No one ever makes it alone. But how come some people can get investors to believe in their ideas while others - sometimes with even better ideas - fall flat? What is it about certain people that make us want to take a bet on them? What is it that makes them backable? As it turns out, it's not what you think. Backability is not driven by having the best experience, the finest pedigree, or the most innovative ideas. In fact, many highly successful people are backed long before they are qualified. We tend to view these people as lucky. But the decision to back them is neither an accident nor a mistake and rarely the result of good luck.

Drawing from his own business experience, countless interviews with some of tech's biggest innovators, and compelling case studies of classic success stories like Howard Schultz and Elon Musk, Gupta breaks down the six qualities of backable people who get others to take a bet on them. Backable pulls back the curtain on the illusive X factor that some people just seem to have and instead offers concrete tools like crafting the right pitch and appropriately scaling a project's vision. Anyone from aspiring entrepreneurs to start-up stars can master these skills and jump-start their next big idea.

©2021 Suneel Gupta (P)2021 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“The most successful people aren’t just brilliant...they’re backable. This is the quality I look for most in leaders I recruit and entrepreneurs I fund - now I have a great name for it and a playbook for what it takes. Whether you want to get ahead inside a company or build a start-up from the ground up, this fascinating book is a must-read.” (Reid Hoffman, co-founder of Linkedin)

“This book is truly brave. I felt like I was sitting with Suneel as he unveiled secret steps that anyone can take to stand out and achieve their dreams.” (Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, best-selling author of Brave Not Perfect)

"Backable provides a super-readable and actionable look at how to make your ideas take flight. Whether you're pitching a brand-new startup or an idea for your company's next product, you'll find a wealth of insights and stories throughout." (Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram)

Must read

Interesting & informative . Liked the style of the author. Must read for all age group to understand startups.

Great Insights on raising capital!

Love the story and contextual messages that bring clarity and an insiders perspective on how venture capital companies see you as an entrepreneur.

Essential read for those who've tried and failed

Once in a while you pick up a book that, as you read or listen to it, epiphanies synaesthetically bloom before your mind's eye and your thinking just evolves in real time, leaving you mentally energized with a newfound sense of purpose. The author not only makes a compelling logical case but also paves a clear emotional runway to hook and enlighten readers.

People Back People With Conviction

Enjoyed Backed because it is an important reminder ... the secrets of success is always hidden in plain sight

Good Read

A good read for anyone thinking about starting a business: I recommend this book if you are in business and planning to start or scale a business.

short and sweet

insightful and not cliche. author did a pretty good job with the narration. nice appendices.

Great book

If you have to pitch anything to anyone, you should read this very helpful book.

Innovation Masterpiece

Thank you for this book. I use it in my business and give it to startups I fund.

Progress in new ideas is only made at the intersection of boldness and vulnerability. Love it!

absolute must read

what a gem! this book provides i valuable insight for anyone with an idea.

Applicable to All!

The concepts in this book can help everyone! As I was halfway through I shared this book with someone I know who's been trying to get into film school at USC.