Download Chapter 1: The plunge

You've probably heard the story: a lone genius has an amazing startup idea, hacks away all night at their computer powered by energy drinks, launches to instant success, and sells for squillions before retiring to sip mojitos on their private tropical island.

Yeah ... that's not this book.

It's is called How To Be Wrong. So it should be no surprise I start with a behind-the-scenes look at four companies I worked on at the moments each of them nearly died.

Even if you know these companies, you might not know these stories: Trade Me in 2001, out of cash, with every investor saying no, three out of four of us leave. Xero in 2009, share price below IPO level with critics betting against us. Vend in 2015, sitting in a Berlin hotel room making painful calls about redundancies after funding fell through. Timely in 2020, watching Covid-19 erase bookings and revenue overnight as customers were forced to close their doors.

Once you've read it I'd love to hear what you think.

Coming soon to a shelf near you

We're putting the finishing design touches to the book now, and I can't wait for the launch early in 2025. Hopefully this sample chapter gives you a taste of what's to come.

In the meantime, I'm planning a few fun promotions for the pre-sale and launch week. Subscribe now to be the first to hear about all of them.

Thanks for your support. Stay tuned...!

Cheers,
Rowan.