Eric Ries is a prominent American entrepreneur and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem, particularly through his bestselling book, The Lean Startup. This groundbreaking publication, released in 2011, outlines a methodology that combines lean manufacturing principles with customer development strategies, enabling startups to innovate efficiently and effectively. The book has sold over one million copies and has been translated into more than thirty languages, solidifying Ries’s reputation as a thought leader in entrepreneurship.

Ries’s professional journey began at Yale, where he co-founded Catalyst Recruiting, an online platform for university students. Although the venture did not succeed, it set the stage for his future endeavors. After moving to Silicon Valley, he joined There, Inc. as a software engineer, contributing to the launch of There.com, a web-based 3D virtual world. Following this, he co-founded IMVU Inc., where he implemented rapid development cycles and customer feedback mechanisms that became central to his lean startup philosophy.

After his tenure at IMVU, Ries transitioned to advising startups and venture capital firms, including Kleiner Perkins. His experiences led him to develop the lean startup methodology, which emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and iterative product development. He began documenting these principles on his blog, gaining recognition and invitations to speak at major conferences, including the Web 2.0 Expo.

In addition to The Lean Startup, Ries authored The Startup Way in 2017, which explores the application of entrepreneurial principles in larger organizations. He also initiated the Long-Term Stock Exchange, aiming to align the interests of companies and long-term investors. Through his writing, speaking engagements, and innovative methodologies, Eric Ries continues to inspire and guide entrepreneurs around the world.