Most start-ups fail. And they die remarkably young: The typical start-up lasts 20 months and burns through $1.3 million in financing before closing its doors. So what's the formula for success for those start-ups that make it through the early trials, leveraging their early success into either getting acquired or issuing an IPO (initial public offering)? What are the lessons that first-time entrepreneurs and employees need to know to navigate their way to success? The Ultimate Start-Up Guide offers practical advice, insights, lessons, and best practices from the world of start-ups, including: Strategies for hiring and building your team, culture, and values. How to pitch your company, secure funding, and distribute equity. Best practices in launching your business. How venture capitalist investors think, evaluate new companies, and advise entrepreneurs. War stories and red flags from top VC partners and entrepreneurs.Start-ups are a business model and culture of their own, changing the economic landscape as well as the way we live and work. The Ultimate Start-Up Guide offers an insider's look at this world. It's a fascinating read for anyone contemplating how to build or participate in a successful start-up.