Suggested Reading: Case Studies and Articles

Robert van Pappelendam, with his 30+ years of leadership experience, has crafted The Start-up Puzzle to simplify the start-up journey. To further deepen your understanding, we've curated a list of recommended case studies and articles that provide invaluable insights into the successes and challenges of various business ventures. These resources are perfect for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to thrive in the start-up world.

  1. Fairphone
    View Case Study
    An inspiring example of a company dedicated to sustainable technology, using ethical supply chains and fair practices.

  2. Ziiver
    View Case Study
    A case study that delves into the start-up journey of a growing e-commerce platform.

  3. Zipcar
    View Case Study
    Explore how Zipcar transformed the car-sharing industry and turned into a scalable business model.

  4. Juicero
    View Case Study
    Learn from the downfall of this heavily-funded start-up, a key lesson in understanding market fit and product value.

  5. Airbnb and Uber
    View Case Study
    Examine how two of the biggest disruptors in their industries scaled from small start-ups to global brands.

  6. Theranos
    View Case Study
    Understand the high-profile rise and fall of Theranos, a cautionary tale in health-tech.

  7. LinkedIn
    View Case Study
    Learn how LinkedIn carved its space in the professional networking world.

  8. Slack
    View Case Study
    Discover the growth story of Slack, a revolutionary platform for workplace communication.

  9. Peloton
    View Case Study
    See how Peloton became a leader in the fitness industry with its innovative at-home workout solutions.

Recommended Articles:

  1. Why Startups Fail
    Read on HBR
    Harvard Business Review explores the common reasons behind start-up failure.

  2. The Importance of Social Capital for Business Growth
    Read on Forbes
    An article emphasizing the role of social capital in scaling a business.

  3. The 10-Year Overnight Success Story of Casetext
    Read Article
    A behind-the-scenes look at how Casetext became a leader in legal research.

  4. Picnic: Keeping Them Waiting
    Read Article
    A deep dive into Picnic’s innovative grocery delivery model.

  5. Creativity, Inc. (Pixar)
    Read on Amazon
    Explore how Pixar’s leadership fostered creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry.

These case studies and articles will provide valuable insights to complement The Start-up Puzzle, offering real-world lessons and academic perspectives to guide your entrepreneurial journey.