BOOK INFO
Book Title: The Innovation Blind Spot
Author: Ross Baird
Published: Sept, 2017
Publisher: BenBella Book
Pages: 240
Audio Run-time: 6H 36M
(Source: Amazon)
SYNOPSIS
Written from the perspective of a venture capital investor Ross Baird of Village Capital details how he and others around the word are shinning light on the Blind Spots that are holding back true innovation. Showcasing how they create ways to invest in better ideas that solve real world problems. Baird also talks about entrepreneurs who have ideas that exist in these blind spots and how they overcame them. Providing advise for both the investor and entrepreneur to have a chance to support ideas that really matter. Building from the bottom up rather than from the top down.
REVIEW
Starting and ending with the American Dream and it’s future, this book beautifully outlines the key reasons that good ideas do not get the funding and support they deserve. This book also talks about ways for both entrepreneurs and investors to combat these ‘blind spots’ so they are able to face these challenges with grace or begin to look outside their box.
The book draws inspiration from around the world citing the work of entrepreneurs and investors who are making an impact in and out of the United states. One of particular to note for me was 500 Startups which employs members within countries to fund startups within that make a difference for the societies withing with they operate.
A key concept the Baird introduces in this book is ‘one pocket’ thinking. This phrase describes the concept that a person can make profit while doing good for the world, these two do not have to be mutually exclusive. This idea really resonated with me and has made me view business in a different way. I often ask myself now “How can this benefit the business as well as make an impact?”.
Baird very eloquently poses a problem, and provides a solution while acknowledging that it may not be the only solution, rather an inspiration for the right one. The book starts by explaining the history behind and the current processes that makes investing what it is today. Arguing that there is a systematic issue preventing even those who may want to make better choices. He then explains the changes in policy and pay structure that may help address these systematic issues to ensure investment are made in a more diverse range of ideas and entrepreneurs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I believe the book was very well rounded, gave very practical advice to it readers, no matter who they are. The book covers a lot in fewer pages than I would expect, making it a bit dense. It still manages to stay engaging through stories of the many people Baird has had the opportunity to meet. I have taken away the desire to pay it forward through websites like Kiva where I am able to make micro loans to entrepreneurs around the world wanting to make life a little better for those around them. The book also has an accompanying webpage that they are encouraged to visit for more advice and resources, definitely worth checking out!