Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is both exhilarating and challenging. To navigate this path successfully, startup founders can benefit immensely from the insights and experiences of those who have tread it before.
YouTube offers a treasure trove of such knowledge, with numerous channels dedicated to entrepreneurship, startups, and business growth. Here are the top 30 YouTube channels that every startup founder should consider following:
- Y Combinator
The Y Combinator YouTube channel is an invaluable resource for startup founders seeking guidance, inspiration, and insider knowledge. Known as one of the most prestigious startup accelerators, Y Combinator invests $500,000 in each startup and provides founders with three months of intensive mentorship. Beyond that, they offer lifetime access to a powerful community, essential advice, and resources for scaling, fundraising, recruiting, and more.
Their channel features startup advice, founder stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at Y Combinator’s world. It’s the perfect platform for anyone looking to make their mark in the evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship.
- GaryVee (Gary Vaynerchuk)
Gary Vaynerchuk, widely known as “GaryVee,” runs a YouTube channel that’s a goldmine for entrepreneurs and founders. As the Chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, and creator of VeeFriends, Gary is one of the most influential voices in business, culture, and the future of the internet.
With over 45 million followers across social media and 300 million monthly impressions, Gary shares his journey as a CEO while offering invaluable advice on entrepreneurship, branding, and staying ahead in a fast-paced digital world. A prolific angel investor with early stakes in companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Coinbase, Gary combines his expertise with raw, unfiltered insights.
For founders looking to learn from one of the most forward-thinking business minds, GaryVee’s channel is a must-follow.
- Noah Kagan
Noah Kagan’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses. As the founder of AppSumo, an 8-figure company providing tools for entrepreneurs, Noah shares actionable advice on business creation, marketing, and scaling.
With a knack for simplifying business strategies, Noah is known for his “start a business in 48 hours” approach. His experience includes being an early employee at both Facebook, where he worked on the Ads platform, and Mint.com, where he was part of the founding team. If you’re a founder seeking practical tips and insights from someone who’s built and scaled businesses, Noah’s channel is a must-watch.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Stanford Graduate School of Business YouTube channel offers valuable insights for founders and aspiring leaders. It features thought leadership from Stanford’s world-class faculty and renowned guest speakers, covering topics that advance understanding of management and leadership.
The channel also provides a glimpse into the Stanford GSB community, sharing perspectives from students and alumni. Whether you’re looking for innovative business ideas or practical advice on leadership, this channel is a reliable resource for entrepreneurs seeking growth and inspiration.
- Harvard Business Review
The Harvard Business Review (HBR) YouTube channel is a must-follow for founders looking to sharpen their management and leadership skills. It provides actionable ideas to help leaders make better decisions, improve productivity, and foster innovation.
The channel features content that encourages smarter and more creative approaches to work, alongside discussions that challenge conventional thinking. For founders who value thoughtful, practical guidance on running organizations effectively, HBR’s channel is a treasure trove of resources.
Harvard Business Review YouTube Channel
- TechCrunch
TechCrunch covers the latest technology news and startup stories, offering interviews with founders and investors, as well as coverage of tech events and product launches.
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Magazine’s channel features interviews, how-to videos, and expert advice on various aspects of starting and running a business.
- Slidebean
Slidebean provides startup advice, pitch deck examples, and fundraising tips, helping founders craft compelling presentations and business strategies.
- Foundr
Foundr shares interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, offering insights into building and scaling startups, marketing strategies, and personal development.
- The School of Life
While not exclusively focused on business, The School of Life offers valuable content on emotional intelligence, relationships, and self-awareness, all crucial skills for effective leadership.
The School of Life YouTube Channel
- Marie Forleo
Marie Forleo offers advice on entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal development, with a focus on building a business and life you love.
- Neil Patel
Neil Patel shares digital marketing strategies, SEO tips, and content marketing advice, helping startups increase their online presence and attract customers.
- Startup Grind
Startup Grind features interviews with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world, sharing their stories and lessons learned in building successful companies.
- The Futur
The Futur provides content on design, branding, and business strategy, helping entrepreneurs build strong brands and effective marketing campaigns.
- My First Million
Hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, this channel explores new business ideas and market opportunities, providing inspiration and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
My First Million YouTube Channel
- Codie Sanchez
Codie Sanchez’s YouTube channel is a must-follow for founders looking to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind. With a background on Wall Street and in private equity, Codie shifted her focus to owning “boring” businesses that generate millions in revenue without the need for 60-hour workweeks.
Her channel offers practical insights on making money, building businesses, and creating freedom in ways that schools often neglect to teach. She also shares inspiring stories of individuals who carved out their own unconventional paths to success. Codie’s content is all about simplifying business growth and isn’t afraid to get hands-on with actionable advice.
- The Diary of a CEO
Hosted by Steven Bartlett, this channel dives into candid conversations with business leaders, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship and personal growth. Founders can learn from his diverse experiences, including investments in cutting-edge industries like biotech, Web3, and consumer technology.
The Diary of a CEO YouTube Channel
- ColdFusion
Hosted by Dagogo Altraide, ColdFusion offers engaging videos that explore the stories behind innovative companies and technologies shaping our world. It’s a great channel for founders interested in understanding the evolution of industries and the future of technology.
- Marc Lou
Marc Lou, an indie hacker who has built 27 startups after being fired from multiple jobs, shares his entrepreneurial journey on this channel. It’s a great resource for founders looking for real insights on building products and navigating the challenges of startup life.
- Little bit better
Elvin from Little Bit Better summarizes personal development and business books to help small business owners grow. With years of experience and over 350 books read, his channel offers practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to improve their lives and businesses.
Little bit better YouTube Channel
- Starter Story
Starter Story shares actionable ideas and success stories from entrepreneurs who have built profitable businesses. The channel provides practical insights for founders looking to grow their ventures.
- Dan Martell
Dan Martel, a serial entrepreneur who has built and exited three tech companies, shares his insights on business growth and personal development. With a focus on helping founders scale their ventures, Martel combines practical advice with personal stories from his journey.
- CNBC Make It
CNBC Make It provides valuable insights into successful startups and businesses, alongside stories of those that didn’t make it, offering lessons for aspiring founders.
- Silicon Valley Girl
Silicon Valley Girl, founded by an edtech entrepreneur and angel investor, shares insights and motivation for founders. She also highlights her journey as the first creator to raise a venture round while working on her next project in the food space.
Silicon Valley Girl YouTube Channel
- Charlie Chang
Charlie Chang is a Southern California-based entrepreneur who runs multiple businesses across media, affiliate marketing, and recruiting. On his channel, he shares practical advice on personal finance, online income, investing, productivity, real estate, and entrepreneurship, advocating for self-employment and building multiple income streams.
- John Coogan
John Coogan is a lifelong entrepreneur who has never worked a traditional job, focusing instead on building his own ventures. His channel offers insights into his journey and the projects he’s worked on over the past decade.
- Productivity Game
Productivity Game offers concise, actionable video summaries of the best books on performance and productivity. The channel focuses on helping viewers live more productive, meaningful, and fulfilling lives, with additional resources like bi-weekly book summaries available through their newsletter.
Productivity GameYouTube Channel
- The Intelligent Investor
The Intelligent Investor channel provides in-depth stock analysis and investing reviews, aiming to help viewers become better investors. Each video takes 20 to 30 hours to produce, and while the content is educational, viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult licensed professionals for financial advice.
The Intelligent InvestorYouTube Channel
- Hasan Aboul Hasan
Hassan Aboul Hassan’s channel focuses on smart business and marketing strategies, leveraging AI, Python, and automation to help digital marketers achieve significant results. With over nine years of experience, he shares insights aimed at boosting marketing effectiveness through technology.
Hasan Aboul HasanYouTube Channel
- Charisma on Command
Charisma on Command helps viewers build confidence, charisma, and likability through practical tips and techniques. The channel focuses on improving interpersonal skills to enhance personal and professional relationships.
Charisma on CommandYouTube Channel
By following these channels, startup founders can gain a wealth of knowledge, from practical business advice to personal development tips, all of which are essential for building and scaling successful ventures.
