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book cover for The Human Factors Behind Start-Up Success

The Human Factors Behind Start-Up Success

A guide for investors, founders and due diligence providers

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Pub Date 28 Feb 2026 | Archive Date 17 Mar 2026

Troubador | Troubador Publishing


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Description

With 70% of start-ups failing—and 80% of these failures attributed to people—this book delves into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of venture success: the human factor. It introduces a proven methodology for evaluating co-founders and the wider employee base of scaling companies during the due diligence process (DD). Aimed at investors, founders, due diligence providers and HR practitioners, it goes beyond theory, sharing practical guidance and case studies on assessing and managing team dynamics, while navigating the subtle power imbalances in investment contexts.

Readers will learn about the “Human Factor Health Check” (HFHC), a robust methodology that integrates standard industry practices, while setting new benchmarks for evaluating start-up teams.

Having expanded internationally with a multi-lingual team, the Human Factor Health Check assessment methodology has received consistent praise from investors and start-up CEOs alike. This book aims to become a go-to resource for cracking the human side of start-up success, inspiring professionalism and delivering actionable insights for stakeholders.

With 70% of start-ups failing—and 80% of these failures attributed to people—this book delves into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of venture success: the human factor. It introduces...


A Note From the Publisher

Sonia Allinson-Penny is an international strategic HR consultant and founder of the Human Factor Health Check, a company which conducts due diligence assessments for investors on the human elements behind start-up success. She has had over twenty-five years of experience of working worldwide for large corporates and the start-up ecosystem and specialises in the benefits of neurodivergence in the world of work.

Sonia Allinson-Penny is an international strategic HR consultant and founder of the Human Factor Health Check, a company which conducts due diligence assessments for investors on the human elements...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781806345212
PRICE £6.99 (GBP)
PAGES 136

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Featured Reviews

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This book takes an interesting approach to entrepreneurship by focusing less on strategy and more on the human side of building a company. I found that perspective refreshing because it highlights the importance of relationships, leadership, and team dynamics.

The author explains ideas clearly and offers thoughtful insights into how people influence the success of a business. It made me think about how personality, communication, and decision making play a huge role in whether a start up actually thrives.

While the book does touch on business concepts, it keeps the focus on people rather than numbers, which made it feel accessible and engaging.

By the end I felt like I had gained a better understanding of the human challenges involved in entrepreneurship. It is an insightful and practical read for anyone interested in how businesses actually function behind the scenes.

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