Warren Buffett
Berkshire Hathaway · Investing · United States
Biography
Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970, turning a struggling textile mill into one of the world's largest companies. Known for value investing and his annual letters to shareholders.
Starting point: Ran small businesses as a teenager, including newspaper routes.
“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.”
The lesson
Paraphrased from documented sourcesBuy things for less than they are truly worth, and judge an investment by the value it produces over many years — not by its price today.
How it helps you
New founders often overspend on equipment or chase trends. Thinking in value keeps money in the business and points it at what customers actually pay for.
Practical steps
- List every planned startup purchase.
- For each, write the value it creates for a customer.
- Cut or delay anything with no clear customer value.
- Reinvest early profits instead of spending them.
Apply This Lesson
Pick an idea from your last scan, or type your own.