Virgin Books

How to Turn Down a Billion Dollars: The Snapchat Story

**A captivating tale of ambition, risk, and the rise of a tech giant.**

The Story of a Billion-Dollar Rejection

This book delves into the extraordinary story of Evan Spiegel, the young CEO of Snapchat, who famously rejected a staggering $3 billion offer from Mark Zuckerberg. This decision, made when he was just 23 years old, sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley. Was it an act of audacious genius or reckless hubris?

**How to Turn Down a Billion Dollars** offers a compelling exploration of this pivotal moment and the remarkable journey that followed.

From Dorm Room Idea to Global Phenomenon

Billy Gallagher, a fellow Stanford undergrad and fraternity brother of the founding trio, provides an intimate and insightful look into the early days of Snapchat. He chronicles the company's evolution from a late-night dorm room invention to a global phenomenon, capturing the youthful energy, extravagance, and drama that defined its early years.

A Front-Row Seat to the Snapchat Saga

Gallagher, a seasoned observer of the tech landscape, weaves a captivating narrative that goes beyond the hype. He delves into the challenges faced by Snapchat as it transitioned from a playful app to a publicly traded powerhouse, navigating the complex world of corporate finance and public scrutiny.

A Defining Moment in Tech History

**How to Turn Down a Billion Dollars** is more than just a business narrative. It's a compelling portrait of a generation obsessed with technology, and the rise of a company determined to redefine the future of entertainment. This book will appeal to anyone fascinated by the social media landscape, the evolution of Silicon Valley, and the stories of bold entrepreneurs who dared to dream big.

**Review:**

Gallagher's writing is engaging and insightful. He offers a balanced perspective, shedding light on both the triumphs and challenges that shaped Snapchat's journey. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the forces driving the tech industry, and the enduring impact of one bold decision made by a visionary CEO.

<p>Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is Shaping our Future</p>

<p>New York Times and International Bestseller </p>

<p>Named One of the Best Books of the Year by The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Audible and Amazon</p>

<p>More than 1 Million Copies Sold </p>

<p>In Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, veteran technology journalist Ashlee Vance provides the first inside look into the extraordinary life and times of Silicon Valley's most audacious entrepreneur. Written with exclusive access to Musk, his family and friends, the book traces the entrepreneur's journey from a rough upbringing in South Africa to the pinnacle of the global business world. Vance spent more than 30 hours in conversation with Musk and interviewed close to 300 people to tell the tumultuous stories of Musk's world-changing companies: PayPal, Tesla Motors, SpaceX and SolarCity, and to characterize a man who has renewed American industry and sparked new levels of innovation while making plenty of enemies along the way.</p>

<p>Vance uses Musk's story to explore one of the pressing questions of our time: can the nation of inventors and creators which led the modern world for a century still compete in an age of fierce global competition? He argues that Musk--one of the most unusual and striking figures in American business history--is a contemporary amalgam of legendary inventors and industrialists like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Howard Hughes, and Steve Jobs. More than any other entrepreneur today, Musk has dedicated his energies and his own vast fortune to inventing a future that is as rich and far-reaching as the visionaries of the golden age of science-fiction fantasy.</p>

<p>"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.</p>

<p>Have you ever wondered why there is a light in your fridge but not in your freezer? Or why 24-hour shops bother having locks on their doors? Or why soft drink cans are cylindrical, but milk cartons are square? The answer is simple: economics.</p>

<p>For years, economist Robert Frank has been encouraging his students to ask questions about the conundrums and strange occurrences they encounter in everyday life and to try to explain them using economics. Now in this bestselling book, he shares the most intriguing - and bizarre - questions and the economic principles that answer them to reveal why many of the most puzzling parts of everyday life actually make perfect (economic) sense.</p>

<p>Do What You Love, Love What You Do: The Empowering Secrets to Turn Your Passion into Profit</p>

<p>You don't need an MBA to start your business. You just need a mentor to guide the way.</p>

<p>Holly Tucker – co-founder of Not on the High Street, and creator of Holly &amp; Co – is on a mission to change business forever. Having overseen 5,000 entrepreneurs and identified the keys to their success, in Do What You Love, Love What You Do, she now wants to help anyone build a business doing what they love, leading to a happier and more fulfilled life.</p>

<p>Demystifying the grey world of business, whether you've yet to take your first steps, or find yourself stuck in a rut, this beautiful and vibrant book will allow your dreams to take flight. Holly shares her own story – along with those of acclaimed founders like Sir Richard Branson and Jo Malone CBE – revealing their biggest lessons and proven advice on creating and growing a business. From side hustle to full-time, from defeating your confidence gremlins to creating an empowered community, Holly reveals both the skills and the mindset any founder needs to help their business thrive.</p>

<p>A book like no other, Do What You Love, Love What You Do also shines a light on the creative community, showcasing the brilliant and unique output of small businesses, inspiring you to join them in their success.</p>

<p>There are now over 5 million small businesses in the UK – join the revolution with this indispensable small business bible.</p>