Reading Guide
Failure, Resilience, Ethics, and Founder Judgment

Bad Blood

John Carreyrou

The VMT Review

This investigative account of Theranos is essential reading on governance, secrecy, technical claims, investor enthusiasm, board responsibility, employee intimidation, and the human consequences of placing narrative above evidence. It is not a how-to book, but it may be one of the best ethical case studies in the startup literature.

What the Reader Will Learn

Founders and mentors learn the dangers of suppressing technical dissent, confusing fundraising with validation, building boards around prestige rather than relevant oversight, and allowing mission and charisma to excuse deception.