THE LEAN LAUNCHPAD  

Steve Blank is a retired Silicon Valley serial entrepreneur-turned-educator who developed the Customer Development methodology that changes the way start-ups are "built." His book, "The Four Steps to the Epiphany," launched the Lean Startup movement. He teaches the methodology and his "Lean Launch Pad" class at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Columbia, and as part of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps. He blogs about entrepreneurship at www.steveblank.com@sgblank


What the Government Can Do. And What It Can't

Why both parties could use a dose of myth-busting. But government can be the solution--if both parties get smarter.  Read story

Transforming Scientists Into Entrepreneurs

Our nation's research labs hold a wealth of untapped innovation. But how do you bridge the gap between science and start-up?  Read story

How to Test Your Minimum Viable Product

Will your idea fly with customers? Here's the best way to find out.  Read story

9 Most Important Elements of Every Start-up

The best businesses are based on stronger stuff than just your 'vision.' Bring together these nine ingredients and you're well on your way.  Read story

Failure Is an Option

When you're building a start-up, wrong turns are to be expected--and embraced. Here's how to make the most of them.  Read story

Who Needs a Business Plan?

If you're ready to do the real work of launching a start-up, start here.  Read story

How to Road-Test Your Business Model

Two steps that can save you precious time and resources in the early days of your start-up.  Read story

9 Deadliest Start-up Sins

These common assumptions can be toxic to the success of any new venture.  Read story

The Startup Owner's Manual

Ever wished you had a startup manual? Now there is one. Read exclusive excerpts from it on Inc.com.  Read story

Killing Your Start-up by Listening to Customers

Getting customer feedback is essential in the early stages of your company--but it's what you do with it that determines your fate.  Read story

VCs Are Not Your Friends

If you're lucky, your investors will be likable and helpful, too. But their loyalties never lie with you.  Read story

Why the Movie Industry Can't Innovate and the Result is SOPA

The movie industry has been consistently wrong in its claims that new platforms and channels would be the end of its business. Now it can't innovate, leading...  Read story

Dysfunctional Family? You'd Make a Great Entrepreneur

Most successful founders are no strangers to chaos and stress. In fact, they learned how to deal with it gracefully at a very young age.  Read story

When Lack of Nerve Is Your Biggest Obstacle

What happens when an entrepreneur does everything right... but can't seize the day.  Read story