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Summary: An honest look into billion dollar e-investing
Review: Unlike the hero-worship chronicles of Silicon Valley (The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison, The New New Thing, et al), EBoys pulls no punches. It describes in detail not only the brilliant successes of Benchmark (EBay), but also the many also-rans. Randall Stross does an excellent job in maintaining a cool, objective viewpoint despite the mind-blowing nature of Silicon Valley investments.Although it falls into the high-tech history genre, EBoys is essentially about people - the crazy dreamers and the daredevils who fund them. It was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to future offerings by Mr. Stross.
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Summary: Honest and Open
Review: Professor Stross' fly on the wall inside look at Benchmark is an honest and open story of venture capitalists at work. This is not an analysis of the profession or a confession of why they do the deals they do. It is simply a good story that takes the reader along for a pleasant ride. Very enjoyable.
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Summary: Fascinating "Inside" Story
Review: This book was a book that I've been waiting for what seems like forever. Fascinating account of what goes on behind the doors at Benchmark Capital...I know there must have been TONS of editing going on for privacy reasons, but what was eventually portrayed was a whole new world of VC dynamics that most people are not privy to seeing. What I found most interesting was how these guys are so damn cooperative with high morals...they were portrayed as being so "above it all" - low egos, non-greedy, cutthroats like you hear about most VC's. Humble, self-effacing (most of them), smart guys with tons of perspective about themselves, life, businesses, the Internet, and especially new entreprenuers, I would work with these guys in a heartbeat! As a cofounder of a startup in Greater China..., I always wondered how VC's make their decisions, what are the things they look for in funding a new company, how do they go about discussing possible investments, etc. Reading this book, you can find out at least how one of the "good VC firms" operate...a very highly recommended book, even if you aren't looking for money for your own startup.
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Summary: Irresistible, Essential Reading for Entrepreneurs
Review: Most people who want to found a new business dream about getting venture capital en route to going public. At least a third of these people who approach venture capital firms do not have any contacts to get them a hearing at venture capital firms. Even those who do will find the odds are long. Perhaps one deal in 100 from connected people will be funded by a particular venture capital firm. Almost all entrepreneurs I know think that venture capitalists get paid too much, and that they get in the way rather than being a help. This book will help you draw your own conclusions, as well as give you some ideas about what to look for if you do decide to go for venture capital. Many will be astonished to see that funded ideas often come with no workable CEO in place. The venture capitalist will often play a key role in doing the recruiting of the CEO and other key personnel. Also, others will be amazed to find out how important little things are to keeping deals together or tearing them apart -- usually the trust or lack of trust in those involved on all sides. For years, I have worked with executives whose firms were orginally funded by venture capitalists. I also have friends who are venture capitalists. Everything in the book rang true to me. The only thing that would have made the book bettter would have been equal access to the thinking of the people in the start-ups. We get their view through the VCs. Because of the relationships involved, that's hard to accomplish because there's a need to stay friendly that is harmful to candor. Although the book will be invaluable to entrepreneurs, it was not designed for that purpose. It really is more of a business history of one firm over a two year period of time, highlighting some of its most successful (eBay and Webvan) and unsuccessful (a venture with Toys R Us that went nowhere) relationships. You'll have to draw your own lessons along the way. So it's like reading a mystery novel. Keep your eyes open for the clues, and draw your own conclusions. People thinking about a career in venture capital will also find the book to be valuable. The demands and strains are large, and so are the rewards when it all works. Keep in mind that success in venture capital goes in cycles. My friends tell me that dot com investments have been the most successful class of investing ever for VCs. Some firms report making money 90 percent of the time in the last 5 years. It won't usually be that easy. Se remember that you are reading about the good times when you go through this book. Buy it, read it, and apply its lessons to make your own success greater! You're much more likely to create an irresistible growth enterprise when you do.
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Summary: THE INSIDER
Review: Benchmark is a cutting-edge venture capital firm. And Randall Stross' aacount of their journey through Silicon start-ups is equally gripping. The book takes a look at the investment strategies adopted by Benchmark and their decisice role in the destinies of silicon stalwarts such as e-bay and webvan. Until, there is a book on Kliener Perkins, e boys will remain the definitive book on venture capitalist firms
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Summary: What professional venture capitalists do
Review: There is a common misconception that venture capitalists are just the lucky guys who get in on winners before the IPO. Stross does a fine job of portraying Benchmark as the value-added 'company builders' they are and not mere passive investors. He gives a 'fly-on-the-wall' account of the Benchmark venture process and lucid examples of the hands-on dedication they provide to each of their portfolio companies. A must read for entreprenuers in the venture process to understand the benchmark they should measure their investors against.
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Summary: Pretty darn entertaining.
Review: Thumbs up! Although this book went into a little too much detail for my liking at times, it manages to keep moving and stay fresh. Between this book and Monkey Business: Swinging Through the Wall Street Jungle, you can get a better education on what goes on behind the scenes on Wall Street than any Ivy League MBA will ever give you.
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Summary: Excellent direct account
Review: Like the cover says, this book offers an excellent first-hand account of the venture capital world. If you're like me and you are looking at a wide variety of careers in the financial world, this book will give you the tools you need to help aid your decision-making process. The picture painted outside the walls often is not always how it is inside the walls, and I believe it is important to acquire as much information as possible. If you're still unsure about choosing a career or even committing to an outstanding offer, this is the book for you. Buy it.................
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Summary: A good read with some good lessons
Review: I doubt "eBoys" was intended to read as a period piece, but it certainly does in the post-technology bubble world. There are a couple things that come across loud and clear: first, these venture capitalists were not blind to the bubble that was forming; second, if they wanted to stay alive and relevant in their field, they needed to keep financing new companies and unwillingly participate in furthering the bubble.
The story is well-told and gives you an insider's view of how at least one venture capital firm makes the decision of who gets funding and who doesn't. It also serves as a cautionary tale about how even the most sophisticated investors get sucked into bubble mentality.
A valuable read for investors, entreprenuers, and aspiring venture capitalists.
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Summary: Amazing. Eboys + The Perfect Store = future billionaire.
Review: I stand corrected on my earlier review of "The Perfect Store" -- Eboys has now usurped the title of "quite possibly the best book I've ever read." O.k. so I tend to exaggerate after I read a really great book, but this is definitely in my top 10 books of all time... and I'm a voracious reader (500+ easy... at age 28).
Informative, educational, entertaining, instructive, and incredibly motivating and inspiring -- for all those with an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit like the one I have, Eboys can be thought of as an entrepreneurial bible... or maybe hymnal would be more appropriate. I read the book and now I'm listening to the Audible audiobook... simply awesome... again! This is a must-have book for any budding Bill Gates, Micheal Dell, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, or PIERRE OMIDYAR out there. Heck I even sent Benchmark the executive summary for my business even though they don't invest in my industry... I was just that impressed with those guys.
Read it. Save it. Refer to it. You'll be glad you did.
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