“Supercommunicators” by Charles Duhigg

Thomas Diehl, employee at Notion Capital, chose “Supercommunicators” by Charles Duhigg, which deals with the art of communication.

“For anyone who has ever wondered why certain people communicate so successfully with others, ‘Supercommunicators’ was full of fascinating case studies and research that reveal the science behind great communication and show how small changes can significantly improve the way we interact and communicate,” Diehl told BI.

“The Spy and the Traitor” by Ben Macintyre

Diehl also chose “The Spy And The Traitor,” a non-fiction book by British historian Ben Macintyre.

“The amazing true story of Oleg Gordievsky, who led the double life of a KGB insider recruited by MI6 during the Cold War,” said Diehl. “A real page-turner and a must-read for anyone interested in Cold War espionage!”

“Among the Braves” by Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin

Cherry Ventures partner Dinika Mahtani’s works included “Among the Braves,” which was co-authored by her sister, journalist Shibani Mahtani.

It focuses on activists in Hong Kong’s democracy movement and provides an overview of the territory’s development since its return to China in 1997 after more than a century of British rule, culminating in protests against China’s authoritarian actions in 2019.

“Poverty in America” by Matthew Desmond

Mahtani also chose “Poverty, by America” by sociologist Matthew Desmond.

Desmond argues that even wealthy progressive Americans benefit from an economic system that keeps a certain portion of the population in poverty. The book also describes the kind of large-scale solutions needed to address this problem.

“AI 2041” by Kai-Fu Lee

Mahtani’s last choice was written by former Google China president Kai-Fu Lee.

It is a science fiction novel that explores how artificial intelligence permeates every aspect of human life and influences all aspects of the social order, from medicine to education and entertainment.

“The Three Suns” by Liu Cixin

Andreas Riegler, partner at APEX Ventures, chose this science fiction novel, which was recently released as a major Netflix series.

It shows how Earth interacts with an alien species in a nearby solar system.

“For someone who invests in deep-tech startups and also works in astronomy, this book offers a complex mix of advanced scientific concepts and the study of extraterrestrial life, reflecting the innovative thinking required in both fields,” Riegler told BI. “The themes of the novel are strategic planning, adaptability, and ethical considerations.”

“Build” by Tony Fadell

Riegler also chose “Build” by engineer and investor Tony Fadell, who has worked with APEX Ventures. Riegler said it offers startup founders “invaluable insight from a veteran who helped develop the iPod, iPhone and Nest Learning Thermostat, providing practical advice on leadership, product development and navigating the challenges of the technology industry.”

Riegler added that the book gives investors “a deep understanding of what makes a successful product and company, based on Fadell’s more than 30 years of first-hand experience in Silicon Valley.”

“Ada or the Passion” by Vladimir Nabokov

Michael Treskow, partner at Eight Roads Ventures, chose the 1969 novel “Ada or the Passion” by Russian-American writer Vladimir Nabokov.

Nabokov was the author of Lolita and is known as a cultural role model in the Russian-speaking world and in the United States, where he was a professor of Russian literature at Cornell University for over a decade. In Ada, or Ardor, his longest novel, he deals with themes such as family, religion and sibling relationships.

Ender’s Game by Andrew Scott Card

Justina Chung of Bessemer Venture Partners chose the military science fiction novel “Ender’s Game”, which was published in 1985 and made into a film in 2013 with Harrison Ford in the leading role.

The book is about humanity’s fight against an alien invasion, with children, including the titular Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, being trained to become military officers.

“The School of Life: An Emotional Education” by Alain de Botton

Yusuf Ozdalga of QED Partners chose “The School of Life: An Emotional Education” by British philosopher and author Alain de Botton.

In it, de Botton attempts to synthesize the insights of his social media organization, the School of Life, from its first decade in order to better understand topics such as anxiety, work, relationships, creativity and emotional intelligence.

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

Rob Moffat, partner at Balderton Capital, chose Booker T. Washington’s 1901 autobiography, Up From Slavery.

It describes Washington’s enslavement as a child and his life during the Civil War. It describes how he became an educator and orator and eventually became an important voice on African-American issues.

“Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro

Ara Yeromian of Teacher’s Venture Growth has chosen Karuo Ishiguro’s latest novel, “Klara and the Sun.”

It is narrated by Klara, an AI “friend” chosen by a sick child named Josie. Klara’s perspective shows how non-human beings might view and understand the human condition, including love, mortality, and consciousness.

“Now is the time” by Eckhart Tolle

Tom Mendoza, a partner at EQT Ventures in London, chose “Now Is the Power,” a 2001 work by German-born author Eckhart Tolle.

The book focuses on the virtues of living in the here and now and offers a manual for dealing with the thoughts and emotions that arise from this process. Tolle’s work suggests that peace and fulfillment do not come from outside ourselves, but from being present in each moment.

“Why We Are Polarized” by Ezra Klein

Mendoza also recommended Ezra Klein’s “Why We’re Polarized,” a 2020 work that former U.S. President Barack Obama also chose as his summer reading.

The book examines the factors behind the growing divide among American voting groups, focusing on race, religion, and gender. Klein analyzes the history of the country’s two major political parties to understand the current polarized U.S. electoral landscape.