Andy Dunn, Co-Founder of the menswear startup Bonobos, presents a compelling narrative in his memoir, “Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind.” The book delves into Dunn’s journey from a Stanford MBA graduate to a successful entrepreneur, building a digitally native, direct-to-consumer brand from his Manhattan apartment. Bonobos, known for its innovative approach to men’s fashion, quickly gained traction, leading Dunn to raise substantial capital. Despite his success, Dunn grappled with a bipolar disorder diagnosis received during college, a condition he had kept hidden due to societal and familial pressures. His relentless drive and ambition, while instrumental in his business success, also exacerbated his mental health struggles, culminating in a night of chaos that threatened to dismantle his achievements.
“Burn Rate” is both an entrepreneurial memoir and a candid exploration of the intersection between mental illness and the high-stakes world of startups. Dunn’s candid recounting of his experiences challenges the stigma surrounding mental health in the business community. Through intimate prose, he highlights the often-overlooked prevalence of mental health issues among entrepreneurs, urging a deeper conversation about creativity, performance, and disorder. Dunn’s story is a testament to the complex realities of success and the importance of addressing mental health openly and compassionately.\
