A Glimpse Inside The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places are Building the New American Dream
Today, my second book, The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places are Building the New American Dream, was released by Simon & Schuster — but its message has been more than a decade in the making. If you’ve followed my journey as an investor and advocate, it’s likely one you know well: Great companies can start and scale anywhere. But you may not know their stories. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside The Rise of the Rest.
The Journeys of Founders We Met on the Road
Traveling the country by bus to visit founders and ecosystems defying odds was bound to turn up more than a few inspiring stories. In The Rise of the Rest, I introduce readers to dozens of entrepreneurs and startups, including Rheaply in Chicago, TemperPack in Richmond, Casted in Indianapolis, and so many more whose struggles and achievements match the most iconic examples of American invention.
Stories of Reinvigorated Startup Communities
True innovation transforms communities. Today, a powerful tide of startup ecosystems is rising in cities across the country, a shift accelerated by the pandemic. In the book, I dive deep into the revival of iconic cities and regions — places like Detroit, Central Pennsylvania, Omaha, Northwest Arkansas, and more — whose economies have been reignited by entrepreneurs and the communities that embraced them.
A Vision for a New American Dream
Today, less than 10% of venture capital currently goes to women founders and less than 1% to Black founders. The Rise of the Rest mission is about leveling the playing field for everybody and, in the process, creating opportunities and jobs for all. This book shares a vision for a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial landscape and provides a hopeful perspective on the future of America.
I am grateful to those who supported my mission to back and spotlight entrepreneurial communities outside Silicon Valley over the years. I genuinely believe that promoting innovation between the coasts is key to securing America’s economic and social future. The Rise of the Rest captures what that future could look like.
To be inspired by the stories of dozens of founders and rising cities I got to know on the road, order your copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, or Indiebound. To share what’s possible in entrepreneurial ecosystems across the country with those who may not know their potential, send a copy to a friend. And to get a larger conversation started about creating an environment that nurtures startups within your community, send a message to media@revolution.com for a discounted offer.
