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Top 25 Books Founders Are Buying in 2026: Insights from Brex Data

KVIA•Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:19 AM•Stacker

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AI Summary

In the first half of 2026, founders are increasingly turning to books to enhance their skills and knowledge, as indicated by Brex's analysis of customer spending. The top book is a biography of Alex Karp, co-founder of Palantir, reflecting a shift from operational manuals to personal narratives that inspire leadership. Notably, books focusing on hard feedback and negotiation skills are rising in popularity, while self-optimization titles are declining. This trend highlights the evolving needs of startup leaders who are directly involved in their businesses. Readers interested in these insights can explore the recommended titles to better understand the founder's journey and the skills necessary for success.

Key Details: • Top book: 'The Philosopher in the Valley' by Michael Steinberger. • Books on negotiation and feedback are trending upwards. • Decline in popularity for self-optimization books like 'Atomic Habits'. • Three Stripe Press titles are among the top 25, indicating a shift in publishing for startups.

leadership books startups founders brex

People & Organizations

Alex KarpMichael SteinbergerBen HorowitzAndrew GroveDwarkesh PatelBrexStripe Press

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