2025 Summer VC Reading List

Jun 26, 2025

Venture capitalists reveal the books that shape their thinking, from politics to artificial intelligence. Striking recommendations include 'Master of the Senate,' which dives into power dynamics, and 'Traffic,' a captivating look at the social web's evolution. Emotional storytelling shines in 'The Sentence,' while 'Read Write Own' explores blockchain's potential. Classic fiction like the 'Foundation Series' sparks creativity, and insights from 'Prediction Machines' make AI accessible for all. This lively discussion highlights literature's profound impact on innovation and leadership.

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ANECDOTE

Kasper Wang on LBJ's Influence

Kasper Wang values Robert Caro's book on LBJ, especially for its deep political insight.
He highlights the importance of understanding LBJ's background and civil rights impact.

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INSIGHT

Traffic Explains Social Web's Impact

Traffic by Ben Smith explains the social web’s shaping of today's society and economy.
It is valuable for anyone trying to understand the modern internet's impact.

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ANECDOTE

The Sentence's Emotional Power

Jessica Owens found The Sentence by Louise Erdrich emotionally powerful and insightful about indigenous experiences.
The book surprised her with its storytelling and depth without being heavy-handed.

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Summer Reading Insights: Recommended Books for Understanding Society and Economy

01:33 • 2min

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The Power of Literature: Personal Impact and Reflection

03:12 • 3min

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Exploring Literature's Impact on Entrepreneurial Thinking

05:58 • 2min

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Exploring Innovation and Literature in Technology

07:52 • 2min

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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Gabrielle Zevin

Spanning thirty years, 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin is a sweeping narrative that explores the lives of Sam and Sadie, two friends united by their love of video games. From their childhood encounters to their adulthood as successful game developers, the book delves into themes of identity, creativity, disability, and the redemptive possibilities in play. It is a coming-of-age story that examines the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the need to connect, love, and be loved. The novel is praised for its mature and nuanced portrayal of characters and its ability to engage readers even without prior knowledge of the video game industry.

The Prediction Machine

Andy Clark

High Output Management

Andrew S. Grove

High Output Management is a seminal book by Andrew S. Grove that outlines his management and productivity concepts developed during his tenure at Intel. The book introduces the 'management by objectives' approach, also known as the objectives and key results (OKR) framework. It covers techniques for creating highly productive teams, methods of motivation, and the importance of measurable processes, performance reviews, and training. Grove emphasizes the role of managers in leading and motivating teams, and his book is praised for its practical advice and timeless relevance in various professions and industries.

Read Write Own

Building the Next Era of the Internet

Chris Dixon

In 'Read Write Own,' Chris Dixon argues that the dream of an open, decentralized internet can be saved through blockchain technology. He describes the internet's evolution through three eras: the 'read' era, where early networks democratized information; the 'read-write' era, where corporate networks democratized publishing; and the current 'read-write-own' era, or web3, where blockchain networks grant power and economic benefits to user communities. Dixon provides a clear and compelling vision for a better internet, distinguishing blockchain's potential from cryptocurrency speculation and offering a playbook for navigating and building the future of the internet.

Mindset

The New Psychology of Success

Carol S. Dweck

In this book, Carol S. Dweck introduces the concept of two mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static, while those with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Dweck shows how these mindsets influence success in school, work, sports, and personal relationships. She also discusses how to adopt a deeper, truer growth mindset, and how this can transform individual and organizational cultures. The book emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from failures, and embracing challenges as key components of the growth mindset.

Master of the Senate

Robert A. Caro

Master of the Senate is the third volume in Robert Caro's biography series, The Years of Lyndon Johnson. The book focuses on Johnson's rapid ascent in the U.S. Congress, especially his time as Senate majority leader from 1949 to 1960. It explores how Johnson transformed the Senate through his political acumen, manipulating Senate rules, building coalitions, and securing legislative victories. The book also delves into Johnson's battle to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957, his relationships with other senators, and his strategies for maintaining power within the Senate. It provides a comprehensive look at how legislative power works in America and Johnson's role in shaping the Senate into a more effective legislative body.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Tom Robbins

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues follows Sissy Hankshaw, a girl born with oversized thumbs, as she hitchhikes across America, encountering a variety of eccentric characters and exploring themes of freedom, identity, and relationships. The novel blends humor with magical realism, raising questions about societal norms and personal liberation.

The Sentence

Louise Erdrich

The novel follows Tookie, an Ojibwe woman who, after being released from prison, works at a small independent bookstore haunted by the ghost of Flora, the store's most annoying customer. The story spans from November 2019 to November 2020, incorporating the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. It delves into issues of race, colonialism, the prison system, and the power of literature, while maintaining a balance of humor, warmth, and profound emotional depth.

Traffic

Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)

Tom Vanderbilt

Based on exhaustive research and interviews with driving experts and traffic officials around the globe, Traffic delves into the complex web of factors that explain how traffic works, why we drive the way we do, and what our driving says about us. Vanderbilt examines perceptual limits, cognitive underpinnings, and the unintended consequences of safety measures. He discusses topics such as the safety benefits of roundabouts, the formation of traffic jams, and the common mistakes drivers make in parking lots.

It's our annual tradition—venture capitalists and startup founders share the books that shaped them. From sci-fi and civil rights to artificial intelligence and management, this year's reading list offers insight into the minds of Silicon Valley’s most thoughtful leaders.

Highlights include:

Master of the Senate by Robert Caro, recommended by Casber Wang of Sapphire Ventures for its deep exploration of power and politics

Traffic by Ben Smith, cited by Joe Alalou of Daring Ventures as essential reading on how the social web shaped our modern world

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, praised by Initiate Ventures’ Jessica Owens for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling

Read Write Own by Chris Dixon, a pick from Bobby Franklin of the NVCA to better understand the potential of blockchain beyond crypto

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins, a personal favorite of Wharton’s Lori Rosenkopf for its message on turning perceived flaws into strengths

Mindset by Carol Dweck, currently on Larry Gadea’s reading list

The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov, a longtime source of inspiration for Imvaria's Joshua Reicher

High Output Management by Intel legend Andy Grove, recommended by Avery Pennarun of Tailscale

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, the book Amit Kumar of Accel is gifting to friends

Prediction Machines by Ajay Agrawal, a favorite of Terry Doyle from TELUS Ventures for making AI approachable—even for his 89-year-old mother

And anything by Isaac Asimov, says James Joaquin of Obvious Ventures, who’s now funding a factory that grows diamonds

More than just a beach read list, these titles reflect the philosophies and obsessions of today’s investors. Dive into the full episode of Sand Hill Road for all the recommendations—and check our archives for past years’ picks.

Sand Hill Road is produced by Andrew Mendez under the leadership of Sara Bueno and Stephanie Adrouny

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