Super Pumped, The Battle for Uber

Super Pumped: The High-Stakes Rise and Fall of Uber

Book Summary:

Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber by Mike Isaac is a gripping and explosive chronicle of one of Silicon Valley’s most controversial companies. From its scrappy startup roots to its status as a global juggernaut, Uber’s rise was as spectacular as its unraveling. Fueled by massive venture capital investments and a cult-like belief in disruption, Uber sought to change the world of transportation—but at a staggering cost. This book unpacks the internal chaos, unchecked ambition, and cultural toxicity that defined the company’s tumultuous journey.

Set against the backdrop of rapid technological innovation and Silicon Valley’s breakneck pace, Super Pumped is both a celebration of bold ideas and a stark warning about the dangers of idolizing founders without accountability.

What You’ll Discover in the Book:

Inside Super Pumped, you’ll uncover the aggressive tactics and cultural upheaval that propelled Uber to the top. Learn how CEO Travis Kalanick built a billion-dollar company through ruthless competition, unfiltered ambition, and rule-breaking strategies. Explore the power struggles, regulatory battles, gender discrimination scandals, and boardroom showdowns that led to one of the most dramatic CEO oustings in tech history. It’s a masterclass in startup excess and the real price of hypergrowth.

Why You Should Read This Book:

If you want a no-holds-barred look at how Silicon Valley really works, Super Pumped is essential. It’s not just a book about Uber—it’s a book about what happens when innovation is prioritized over integrity. Ideal for business leaders, entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand the cultural mechanics of today’s biggest tech empires, this book is both deeply reported and wildly entertaining. It’s a cautionary tale, a thriller, and a piece of modern tech history all in one.

About the Author:

Mike Isaac is an award-winning technology journalist for The New York Times, renowned for his sharp, deeply sourced coverage of Silicon Valley’s most powerful companies. His work on Uber earned him the prestigious Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. A frequent guest on CNBC and MSNBC, Isaac is widely respected for his fearless reporting and in-depth knowledge of the tech world. He lives in San Francisco, California.