Pattern Breakers

Pattern Breakers by Mike Maples Jr and Peter Ziebelman is a ground-breaking exploration into the world of entrepreneurship that challenges conventional wisdom and provides a practical playbook for anyone looking to launch a start-up or create a new product. Based on years of extensive research and real-world examples, this book delves into the essence of what sets wildly successful companies apart from those that fail despite doing everything "by the book."

The origins of Pattern Breakers lie in the perplexing experiences of seasoned venture capitalist Mike Maples. Struggling to understand why some of his investments, such as companies like X (formerly Twitter), Twitch, and Okta, skyrocketed to success, while others, deemed "most likely to succeed," faltered and closed their doors, Maples embarked on a deep investigation. Was it sheer dumb luck, or was there an unseen force that differentiated the successful from the mediocre?

Collaborating with Stanford University's Peter Ziebelman, Maples discovered insights that defy accepted norms and overturn today's formulaic approach to entrepreneurship. They realised that the key to genuine breakthrough success lies in pattern-breaking ideas—innovations that radically alter traditional rules and are championed by independent-minded individuals with the courage to diverge from consensus thinking.

Through intriguing and entertaining storytelling, Pattern Breakers vividly illustrates what distinguishes breakthrough ideas from those that initially seem promising but yield only mediocre results. The book reveals why some notions that may initially appear unworthy or even idiotic have the potential to radically change how people live and interact with the world.

Safi Bahcall, author of Loonshots, praises the book as "an indispensable guide to start-up success." Further acclaim comes from Annie Duke, author of Thinking in Bets, who notes, "Pattern Breakers reveals how elite founders don't just navigate uncertainty—they harness it to redefine what's possible."

Rich with real-world examples and backed by meticulous research, Pattern Breakers is a must-read for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of successful start-ups and game-changing products.