• "If you are going to start a venture backed business, read this book first. It'll teach you so much you need to look out for as you start on this journey. I wish I had this at the start of my journey."

    Dr Amrit Chandan, Exited climate-tech founder ($20m raised) | CEO, Lorefully | Forbes 30U30

  • "Most entrepreneurship books sanitise the journey. This one doesn't. For founders and anyone building a venture who wants a candid account of what the process actually involves, warts and all. Honest, deeply human, and written with a distinctive voice."

    Dr Monique Boddigton, Associate Professor, Cambridge Judge Business School

  • "“Starting your first company? Get a copy of this book. You'll thank me in six months!”

    Ben Hartley, Director, ideaSpace - University of Cambridge

  • "The honest guide to startups — the one every first-time founder wishes they’d read before getting started."

    Vanela Bushi, Entrepreneur & VC (founder H-Tree Capital)

  • "This is a book for founders the humans, not founders the shiny persona"

    Emmi Nicholl, CEO Cambridge Angels

  • "Every founder needs a thoughtful, witty and authentic voice of entrepreneurial experience echoing through their mind — preferably not their own — reminding them it’s possible, especially when the ‘oh shit’ moments happen. Let that be Matthew."

    Sarah Broderick, Entrepreneur

  • "This is essential reading for anyone with a great idea who wants to actually get it off the ground, and needs to understand the gritty details of building a business. I will strongly recommend this book to any of my students who are interested in building a new venture, or who want to understand what it is like on the ground for entrepreneurs."

    Constantine Yannelis, Janeway Professor of Financial Economics, University of Cambridge