We asked prominent impact entrepreneurs and investors what they’re reading – and why. From romance novels to Steve Jobs, here’s what’s on their shelves right now.
Rokas Peciulaitis, Founder and Managing Partner, Contrarian Ventures:
Which book? The World For Sale by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy.
Why? “It’s a reminder that you have to understand history to change the future.”
Malin Frithiofsson, Co-founder and CEO, Daya Ventures:
Which book? The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Why? “I only read romance. I don’t read anything that’ll make me smarter - just happier. Romance is the one genre where good things reliably happen to women, and their suffering isn’t used as a plot device for a man’s personal growth. Also, there’s usually a beach house and someone finally communicating their feelings, which feels aspirational on multiple levels.”
Jinbei Li, Founder and CEO, ENZIDIA:
Which book? The Innovators by Walter Isaacson.
Why? “I found it really inspiring to learn about the people with their distinct characters who brought us the digital revolution.”
Jordan Billiald, Associate at IQ Capital:
Which book? How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors Behind Every Successful Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner.
Why? "I think it's a useful cold water take on the challenges and difficulties of completing and delivering complex projects, and I find the human psychological aspects very interesting.
"Also useful as an investor to fully appreciate the reality that even with the best planning and budgeting, things will still probably cost 50% more and take 50% longer to get done that what you (or the founders) thought at the outset!"
Tomomi Ishida, Investor at Energy and Environment Investment:
Which book? Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire by Rebecca M. Henderson.
Why? “It's a really inspiring book about the potential for impact investing and sustainable business to make the world a better place.”
Jan Christoph Bohnerth, CEO at Life Size:
Which book? Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie.
Why? “As someone working in climate and sustainability, I was still surprised to see the positive developments across the globe. A beacon of light in these times.”
Jan Palasinski, Partner at Future Energy Ventures:
Another Jan, and another vote for Hannah Ritchie.
Which book? Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie
Why? “I just ordered Clearing the Air after having read her fantastic Not the end of the world, which was bringing unquestionable data to the climate discussion, showing that we are not doing too badly as humans (but my job is to still do much better!).”
Get full access to Europe's new platform for impact news
- Quality journalism, interviews, investor profiles and deep-dives
- Daily newsletter with top stories, latest funding rounds and roundup to keep you in the loop
Keep reading – get in the loop!
- Håll dig i loopen med vårt dagliga nyhetsbrev (gratis!)
- Full tillgång till daglig kvalitetsjournalistik med allt du behöver veta inom impact
- Affärsnätverk för entreprenörer och investerare med månatliga meetups
Fortsätt läsa – kom in i loopen!
- Håll dig i loopen med vårt dagliga nyhetsbrev (gratis)!
- Full tillgång till daglig kvalitetsjournalistik med allt du behöver veta inom impact
- Affärsnätverk för entreprenörer och investerare med månatliga meetups
More articles:
Investors bullish on Dutch climate tech despite hurdles – 10 startups to watch
