Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur by Brad Feld, Amy Batchelor

Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur by Brad Feld

We all know how hard being in a relationship can be. But being in a relationship where one partner is an entrepreneur adds a whole new layer of complexity. This is exactly the subject that Brad Feld tackles in his book, Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur.

For the past 25 years, Feld has been an entrepreneur in the startup world, first as a venture capitalist then as a startup founder himself. Over the course of his career, he has seen firsthand the unique challenges that come with being in a relationship with a passionate entrepreneur. But he’s also seen the other side—the upside—of having a partner who’s an entrepreneur.

Feld starts off with an honest assessment of what it’s like to be in a relationship with an entrepreneur—not only the drawbacks but also the joys. He acknowledges that the lifestyle can be exhausting and challenging, but he also shares quick tips to cope with the inevitable ups and downs.

In the next section of the book, Feld dives into the five specific roles that a partner in a relationship with an entrepreneur needs to take on in order to successfully coexist as a couple. These roles include being a sounding board, a cheerleader, a negotiator, a reality checker, and a protector. He explains the importance of each role and provides practical advice for what to do when one or more of the roles don't seem to be working out.

The next major section of the book is all about the importance of striking a work-life balance. Feld believes that entrepreneurs need to be intentional about making time for both work and home life, and he provides concrete steps for building in regular downtime both for the entrepreneur and their partner.

Feld then moves on to the topic of conflict resolution in the context of a couple's relationship. He covers topics such as understanding the source of conflict, recognizing and respecting the other person’s perspective, and setting up a firm yet fair system of communication and problem-solving.

Finally, the last two chapters dive into self-care and celebrating successes. Feld utilizes stories and examples from his own life to showcase the importance of taking the time to recharge and appreciate life’s wins, however small they might be.

Overall, Feld’s book is an uplifting, informative read that offers a fresh yet realistic perspective on the intricacies of having a relationship with an entrepreneur. He offers practical tips and relatable anecdotes, which makes it easy to relate to his advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur yourself or in a relationship with one, Feld’s insights are sure to help you both survive and thrive life as a couple.