This Book is not for Edison: Building Business Models for Technology Pioneers

Many know Thomas A. Edison for his inventive prowess, but only a few recognize him as the co-founder of General Electric. By his death in 1931, he stood among the world’s wealthiest-a notable feat when many of his contemporaries, some arguably more talented, faced financial hardships. Success lies in using innovation and hard work to establish a lasting institution that creates economic value. For a technologist, this means stepping into a founder-CEO, co-founder, or intrapreneurial employee role to build a scalable firm or unit. It’s a dual challenge: crafting a strategic business model while pioneering intricate technological innovations. This journey is akin to constructing a vehicle for a long, arduous voyage to an unknown destination. Is entrepreneurial leadership a competence a passionate technologist can cultivate? What are the essential elements to nurture entrepreneurial leadership?