“Dovey’s approach to potentially complicated topics is consistently calm, clear, and encouraging. Even as he warns of potential pitfalls, such as discounting the power of existing brand loyalty, he does so in the warm tone of someone who wants his readers to succeed. ... Readers interested in possible worst-case startup scenarios—and the concrete steps to take to help avoid them—will learn a lot from this accessible labor of love. ”

— Kirkus Reviews

“Anyone interested in starting a business or investing in venture capital should read this book . . . Brian Dovey will help you understand the numbers and will inspire you to listen for the music. Ultimately venture capital is a very human enterprise and Brian has honed his humanity and his technical understanding. ”

— Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator and investment banker

“In The Idea is the Easy Part, veteran venture capitalist Brian Dovey confronts myths about entrepreneurs, startups, and Shark Tank as he challenges would-be business owners to look before they leap. Encouraging and thought provoking, this book is a great read.”

— Ken Blanchard, coauthor of Simple Truths of Leadership and Leading at a Higher Level

“Brian’s story-telling approach is so helpful because it is real-world experience filled with context and color. He brings readers into the stories so that we can appreciate the information we would experience under the same circumstances. Further, the myth-busting is entertaining. I laughed more than a few times.”

— Mary Fisher, CEO of Colorescience

"The Idea is the Easy Part is an honest and realistic look at the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering starting a business.”

— Chris Barton, Founder of Shazam, three-time entrepreneur, inventor, and tech investor

“Brian Dovey is a master storyteller. He dispenses profound wisdom about the entrepreneurship process based on his involvement in more that 300 new ventures as an investor, board member and entrepreneur.  He generously shares his thought processes on a wide range of issues that come up in any type of startup venture.  He truly is an educator at heart.” 

— Alex DeNoble, Professor of Management, San Diego State University

“If you want another rah-rah book that reinforces old myths, or a detailed how-to book, look elsewhere. But if you want an excellent, realistic, straight-talking, often amusing introduction to the entrepreneurial world, you’ve come to the right place.”

— Brook Byers, cofounder, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

“It is so well done. The topics are spot on, the content and examples so pertinent.  It’s easy to read but the rich, deep insight is incredible. I want to pre-order many copies for gifts.”  

— Bonnie Anderson, Executive Chairman, Veracyte

“They say that common sense is very uncommon, but analyzing a problem and defining it correctly is necessary before common sense can be applied. In my mind, that is what makes this project unique. The book is well written and understandable – no jargon, technical terms, or words one has to look up. It’s an easy read, which is essential. Well done!” 

— Richard Schiding, former President, Vasont Systems

“This should be well received because it doesn’t repeat the prevailing wisdom. It avoids the trap of providing dozens of war stories to make your points and avoids generalities.” 

— Jim Blair, Domain Associates