This book does not promise to make you a million dollars, but it can. It aims to offer you practical and implementable insights into How-To create a start-up, not by offering extensive new (academic) research, but by curating the knowledge that is already available today in a concise and easy-to-digest overview. This means you can expect a topline summary of the different stages of the start-up process with useful tips supported by in-market examples, underpinned by the latest academic research.

“The Start-Up Puzzle” is meant to help aspiring entrepreneurs and their stakeholders get prepared for what is likely in front of them. It offers insights by exploring and discovering the commonalities of how successful start-ups and scale-ups go through their business creation journey, the key processes they follow, the skills required, and learn from the Frequently Observed Pitfalls. The pieces of the puzzle cover the importance of generating deep & foundational consumer understanding that is behind the opportunity identified, defining a mission in the context of the opportunity, developing a unique product and brand, understanding the value proposition, the various elements of the business model, and go-to-market choices. It emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out business strategy, planning, and funding, as well as attracting the right talent and building an effective organization. The guide integrates practical insights with academic research and real-world examples, offering a blend of theory and practice to equip readers with the inspiration, knowledge, and tools needed to navigate the start-up landscape successfully!