Jumia Books Founders Keepers: Why Founders Are Built to Fail, and What It Takes to Succeed

Founders Keepers is a provocative and deeply researched guide to the psychological and strategic journey of startup founders. Written by Richard Hagberg, PhD—Silicon Valley’s “CEO Whisperer”—and Tien Tzuo, founder and CEO of Zuora, with Gabe Weisert, this book explores the paradox at the heart of entrepreneurship: the very traits that make founders successful early on often become the seeds of their downfall.

Drawing on nearly four decades of leadership psychology and firsthand experience coaching high-growth CEOs, the authors reveal why 75% of venture-backed startups fail, and how founders can beat the odds by confronting their own blind spots. The book is not just a diagnosis—it’s a roadmap for transformation.

Key insights include:

Why founders are “built to fail” due to traits like obsession, control, and emotional reactivity

How from founder to CEO by developing emotional intelligence, delegation skills, and strategic clarity

Mental models and tools for managing stress, scaling teams, and navigating investor dynamics

Real-world stories from Silicon Valley and beyond, showing how founders either implode or adapt

A framework for building durable companies that outlast the founder’s ego

The authors emphasize that self-awareness is the ultimate founder superpower. Through candid case studies and actionable advice, they show how founders can defuse their worst impulses, build trust, and lead with purpose. Whether you're launching your first startup or scaling a fast-growing venture, Founders Keepers offers the psychological edge needed to survive and thrive.

This book is ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, startup advisors, and anyone fascinated by the human side of innovation. It’s not just about building companies—it’s about building leaders who last.