Eric Ries is a well-known entrepreneur, author, and speaker recognized for changing innovation and business growth with the Lean Startup methodology. He co-founded Catalyst Recruiting while studying at Yale University, gaining early entrepreneurial experience. After graduating, Eric moved to Silicon Valley in 2001 and worked as a software engineer at There, Inc. He stayed there until the launch of There.com in 2003, which ultimately failed. In 2004, he co-founded IMVU Inc., a social network, where he used customer development methods, focusing on quick customer feedback and lean software development. IMVU's innovative approach included deploying code nearly 50 times a day. After his time at IMVU, Eric became a venture advisor at Kleiner Perkins and later advised startups independently. He developed the Lean Startup methodology, combining principles from lean manufacturing and customer development. In 2008, he started documenting this methodology on his blog, "Startup Lessons Learned," which led to speaking engagements and a position as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School.
Eric is the author of several influential books. "The Lean Startup," published in 2011, outlines a new approach to business that emphasizes validated learning and rapid experimentation. "The Startup Way," released in 2017, explores how modern companies can use entrepreneurial management to drive innovation. His self-published "The Leader’s Guide" from 2015 serves as a curriculum for his consulting work. Eric frequently speaks at business events and advises startups and large companies on strategy. He also organized the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE) in 2015, which aims to align the interests of companies and long-term investors. Living in San Francisco with his family, Eric has significantly impacted the business world, establishing himself as a leading figure in entrepreneurial management.