Steve Blank Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Steve Blank is an accomplished entrepreneur, educator, and author who has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern startup landscape. Born in New York City in the early 1950s, Blank embarked on a journey marked by curiosity and innovation. He moved to California during the transformative era of Silicon Valley and immediately immersed himself in the tech scene. Over the years, Blank founded or worked with eight startup companies, gaining a wealth of experience that would define his approach to business. Blank's career took a singular turn when he began to rethink the traditional methods of building a startup. He introduced the concept of the "Customer Development" method, which emphasizes understanding customer needs early on and adapting accordingly. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for what would later become the Lean Startup movement, a now widely adopted approach to launching businesses that stresses iterative product releases driven by validated learning. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Steve Blank has made significant contributions to academia. He is an adjunct professor at Stanford University and a senior fellow for entrepreneurship at Columbia University. His commitment to educating the next generation of entrepreneurs is evident in his popular courses and workshops. Blank's teachings provide students with a pragmatic, action-oriented framework, empowering them to innovate and navigate the uncertainties of the startup world effectively. Steve Blank is also a prolific writer. His best-selling books, including "The Four Steps to the Epiphany" and "The Startup Owner's Manual," further explain his Customer Development methodology and offer deep insights into startup success. His writing is characterized by clear, practical advice backed by decades of personal experience. Blank’s work has influenced countless entrepreneurs and has been integral in reshaping approaches to business that prioritize agility and customer focus. A believer in the interconnectedness of learning and doing, Blank continues to inspire through his speaking engagements around the globe. Whether addressing students, entrepreneurs, or corporate leaders, he shares stories and lessons that resonate with individuals at all levels. His insights into the entrepreneurial mindset and actionable strategies leave a lasting impact, encouraging innovation and resilience in the face of challenges. Steve Blank remains a transformative figure in the world of entrepreneurship, dedicated to fostering the spirit of innovation and discovery.