Most new businesses fail. And they die remarkably young: The typical new business lasts 20 months and spends one million pounds in investment before closing its doors. So what's the formula for success for those new businesses that make it through the early trials, converting their early success into either being bought or floating on the stock market? What are the lessons that first time entrepreneurs and employees need to know to navigate their way to success? THE ULTIMATE STARTUP GUIDE offers practical advice, insights, lessons and best practices from the world of business, including: · Strategies for hiring and building your team, culture and values. · How to pitch your company, secure investment and distribute shares. · Best practices in launching your business. · How venture capitalist investors think, evaluate new companies and advise entrepreneurs. · War stories and red flags from top VC partners and entrepreneurs. New businesses are a business model and culture of their own, changing the economic landscape as well as the way we live and work. THE ULTIMATE STARTUP GUIDE offers an insider's look at this world. It's a fascinating read for anyone contemplating how to build or participate in a successful new business.