The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time

"It's impossible prove something is impossible"What comes in your mind when you hear the word "entrepreneur"? Or what do you think is most important to create an unicorn?Nowadays everyone is calling themselves entrepreneur just because it sounds cool? Well, an entrepreneur is the one who is solving the real problem, an entrepreneur doesn't go with the Trend, they create the trend.Coming back to how you can start a startup and make it successful?We often think building a start-up means coming up with a perfect solution to a problem that can make us a millionaire, right?But here is a twist!Building a start-up is a series of innovations that an entrepreneur has to do at every step. In fact, the innovation of one problem creates another problem and just like that innovation stack is buildThe Innovation Stack is a rare yet one of the most powerful books on Entrepreneurship that is written by the experience of @jimmckelvey1 the co-founder of Square (the other founder is Jack Dorsey, the founder of twitter)When Jim couldn't accept the payment due to unavailability of credit cards, he came up with the idea of Square that changed the history of credit card companies.The book starts with how Jim and Jack built Square and how well they made Amazon come down to its knees.Yes, a giant monster, Amazon tried to copy the entire idea of Square and tried to compete then but alas! Amazon failed before a small startup.But how?Well, that's what the book is about!The author has shared how you can beat Competitors by doing nothing for them but focusing on your customers and building your innovation stack.The book is divided into three sections:1. The first section is about how Jim started Square2. The second section has the case studies of 3 world class companies that proves the theory of Jim correct. The case studies are so much to read that you will enjoy the ride3. The final section is more about how you can beat your competitors and begin as an entrepreneur

If there could be a trilogy of books on entrepreneurship, similar to the Lord of the Rings, I would place Zero to One, The Lean Startup, and The Innovation Stack in that list. Where Zero to One starts about the process of getting into the startup culture and The Lean Startup on the processes to manage your entrepreneurial idea, The Innovation Stack focuses on understanding the reasons or rationale for the success of the startupAcross 18 exciting chapters, Jim McKelvey takes us along on his journey, along with Jack Dorsey on creation of Square - the writing is both explosive and internalizing at the same time. The author's humility and vulnerability shine throughout the pages - there's no great joy at defeating Amazon in the payment's game, nor any chest beating - simply, a subtle thought on how Square could've possible defeated the behemoth that Amazon isWhile trying to understand the potential reasons Square's innovation stack caused Amazon to exit the market, the author's research into 4 similar paradigm-changing personalities are described in great detail. The journey of Christopher Columbus, A.P. Giannini of Bank of America, Herb Kelleher of Southwest airlines, IKEA's Kamprad are detailed in an interesting manner by the authorThe author concludes the last of the chapters under "Innovation physics" heading, dwelling on some of the often-quoted success factors for a startup and the culture thereof. Even when talking about the theory, the author's down-to-earth attitude and unassuming character traits come to the fore - which makes it easier to read (an otherwise unbelievable story of how a startup SQUARED UP against the biggest behemoth on earth currently!)For anyone interested in the innovation/startup culture, The Innovation Stack is a must-read and I hope you love reading the book as much as I did. A huge thanks to Jim McKelvey for the book - one that I am sure I will read many times again!

Lots of fantastic lessons and insights if you can patiently get through the first 20pc of the book.

I have read a couple of books about start up, this one is the best ever written as far as I know. Best part about this book is it gives example from different industries and feels like the author brings in a much researched content. This is unlike Zero to one, the author talks about his experience and explains how his comapny was able to with stand a Gaint like Amazon . Better book than Zero To One. Also I love the explanation the author gives for the word - Enterpreneur . Pure classic for the contemporary times.

A book written from the heart of a true entrepreneur!!A great narrative and story with a good set of insights to inspire and learn from!

Loved it! I predict this book will become one of the startup classics – a must read for entrepreneurs and innovators.

James McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist and artist.He is the cofounder of Square, was chairman of its board until 2010, and still serves on the Board of Directors. In 2011, his iconic card reader design was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art.In 2016, McKelvey founded Invisibly, an ambitious project to rewire the economics of online content.In 2017, he was appointed as an Independent Director of the St. Louis Federal Reserve.Why you should read this book?The Innovation Stack is a deeply useful book about the characteristics of successful companies and how and why to build one, complete with inspiring case studies that literally span centuries.How did Square beat the most dangerous company on the planet? Was it just luck? These questions motivated McKelvey to study what Square had done differently from all the other companies Amazon had killed. He eventually found the key: a strategy he calls the Innovation Stack.

It's an amazing Book

Great book, innovative way of thinking...

Super enjoyable book that overflows with wisdom. Jim takes us through 4 case studies he uses to help us see the patterns of successfully “building outside the walls” (he puts what has already been done inside the walls). Invaluable to get him to look back and share what he now clearly sees in hindsight and how felt while he was doing it. Will help us all build resilience, and even be anti-fragile.

This book changed my view on entrepreneurship.

Liked it

I ordered this book as soon as I heard Jim had written it. Being familiar with him, the Square story, and how hard he is working to solve important problems, I knew it would be a terrific read.It exceeded my expectations.Jim’s writing style is fluid and he wraps enough humor throughout the book that it makes you feel like you are visiting with an old friend. The story telling is top-notch, engaging you in the journey of bringing Square from a concept to a proven industry innovator and leader.Filled with anecdotes, references and some unforgettable characters like Herb Kelleher and A.P Giannini, The Innovation Stack builds upon itself much like how Jim challenges you to construct your business idea to solve problems.The world needs innovation and entrepreneurs now more than ever. Reading this book truly inspired me. I keep it at my desk to reference often to share quotes and be reminded of Jim’s perspective.I even shared this with my father, who is not a businessman or a tech guy. He loved it and couldn’t put it down.Highly recommended and I feel smarter having read it. Well done, Jim.