Book Review: Give First by Brad Feld
Why Giving Might Just Be the Ultimate Longevity Hack
Let me start with this: this isn’t your typical Longevity Today write-up. I’m not talking about mitochondria, zone 2 training or metabolic flexibility today. However, I am talking about something that directly impacts both the length and the quality of our lives: happiness, purpose and giving back.
So much of longevity is about habits. But some of the most important habits aren’t about what you put into your body - they’re about what you put out into the world. That’s why I’m excited to share my review of Brad Feld’s new book, Give First. It’s as much about being generous as it is about finding joy in generosity - a philosophy that, when practiced, can make your life richer in every sense of the word.
In fact, years ago, I wrote about how giving back to others pays dividends for our own mental and physical health: The Reverberating Effects of Giving Back.
Who is Brad Feld?
First, if you don’t know Brad, let me paint a picture. He’s a legendary venture capitalist, a co-founder of the Techstars accelerator and one of the most thoughtful mentors in the entrepreneurial world. He’s helped thousands of founders navigate the chaos of startups with equal parts wisdom, patience and no-BS honesty.
But for me, Brad is so much more than his bio. He’s someone who has consistently shown up for me throughout my entrepreneurial journey in ways that are hard to overstate.
My Journey With Brad
Of the companies I’ve founded, two were accepted into Techstars, including one in Boulder, Colorado, where Brad lives and where Techstars itself began.
When we were weighing incubator options, we had offers from other programs—including a compelling one based in New York. And since I knew I wanted to eventually end up in New York after graduating from Wharton’s MBA program (my girlfriend at the time, now wife, was based there), it would have made personal sense.
But I chose Boulder. Why? Because of Brad. I knew that the chance to get to know him and learn from him directly would be worth it. And I was right.
Brad mentored us all. He advised me. He eventually invested in my company through a syndicate. He gave first. Always.
In fact, Brad gave in ways I’ll never forget - even on my wedding day.
We had known for some time that our startup needed to raise additional funding. But as luck (or startup life) would have it, things came to a head on the actual day I was getting married. One of our largest investors who had previously committed to our new round was suddenly on the verge of pulling out. The timing couldn’t have been worse. I was supposed to be getting ready for one of the happiest days of my life, but instead I was staring down a potential collapse in our funding strategy.
Brad found out and on a Saturday he stepped in. He provided a crucial investment lifeline that helped steady the round and gave me the peace of mind to step into my wedding with joy, presence and gratitude.
He may not even remember it. But I always will.
Years later, after a brutal stretch of challenges with another company I was running - including a traumatic accident in which I severed a finger, I was at one of the lowest points I’d experienced as a founder. I was exhausted, emotionally worn down and seriously considering canceling a trip to Madrid where we were finalists for a major social impact award.
Then, out of the blue, I got a call from Brad. It was a late Saturday evening. I’ll never forget it.
He encouraged me. Talked me off the ledge. Reminded me of why I started. I went to Madrid and we won. $50,000 in funding and the title of Social Innovator of the Year. Brad didn’t have to make that call. But he did. That’s the Give First way.
About the Book: Give First
At its core, Give First is built around the Techstars Manifesto - a guiding framework of 18 principles that define how to lead, mentor and grow within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Each chapter of the book is structured into three key parts:
A principle from the manifesto
How it ties into the “Give First” ethos
A real-life story or example of the principle in action, oftentimes featuring candid stories from Techstars, founders, mentors and Brad’s own journey
These real-life stories? For me, they were the most powerful part of the book. They show what this looks like in the wild - messy, imperfect but deeply impactful.
Brad defines Give First as:
“Being willing to put energy into a relationship or a system without defining the transactional parameters.”
It’s not about being a martyr. And it’s certainly not about blind altruism. You should expect something in return. But you don’t know when, from whom or in what form. It’s a bet on karma, on systems and on human nature.
It’s about operating with trust and long-term perspective, about putting good into the world not because of what you’ll get back, but because you know value has a way of circulating when you build the right kind of community.
Key Takeaways That Stuck With Me
“It’s Never Enough. Until It Is.”
Towards the end of the book, Brad shares the story of a friend who kept adjusting his “enough” number upward. First $5M. Then $20M. Only a life-altering accident changed his perspective.
It was a reminder to me about being intentional with our definitions of success and how time, health, and relationships are the real wealth. Shoutout to my friend Sahil Bloom who regularly echoes this wisdom.
Reciprocity is Rocket Fuel
Helping others can be a key driver of your success too. Brad’s thinking here reminded me of the brilliance of Adam Grant’s “Give and Take”. And yes, proud giving moment of my own when I introduced Brad and Adam years ago.
Giving Is Optional, Not Obligatory
A beautiful insight: You don’t have to give all the time. You have to manage your own burnout. Brad reminds us that giving should energize, not deplete you.
“Angel Investing as For-Profit Philanthropy”
I love this framing. It’s not just capital - it’s catalyzing change. Investing in others can be both a return-generating and purpose-fueling act.
The Afterword Hit Me Hard
“Give First has become a way of life. It defines my values and explains the kind of person I want to be in the world.”
That line says it all. The benefits of this philosophy are extraordinary and they’re available to all of us.
Final Thoughts & Your Turn
If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, an investor, a community builder or simply someone trying to live with more purpose, joy and connection, Give First is a must-read. It’s about mentorship. It’s about systems. But ultimately, it’s about being the kind of human who leaves the world a little better.
Grab your copy of Give First on Amazon here.
I’d love to hear how the Give First philosophy resonates with you. Drop me a comment or shoot me a message. Who has given to you and made a real difference in your life? How are you giving? And how is it changing your life?
Here’s to giving more - making the world a better place and reaping the unintended but valuable benefits of living longer, better and happier lives because of it.
Yours in Health,
Ryan Frankel
Love the stories! He seems like a great mentor and sponsor to have.