Best Business Magazines for Startup Founders

Young smiling people reading a magazine.

If you're like most startup founders, you’re always looking for ways to improve your business skills. That's why reading business magazines is such a great idea — not only do they keep you up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the business world, but they also provide valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best business magazines for startup founders and explain why each one is worth reading.

Top 10 Business Magazines for Startup Founders

1. Entrepreneur

The first publication of Entrepreneur magazine was in 1977, and it has been helping entrepreneurs ever since. The magazine is packed with useful articles on starting and growing a business, as well as interviews with successful entrepreneurs.

Each issue of Entrepreneur also includes a "Startup Spotlight" section, which features new businesses that are making a big impact in the marketplace. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice, “Entrepreneur” is a great magazine to add to your reading list.

You'll find interviews with some of the biggest names in business like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos that highlight their rise to fame but also how they currently run their companies. There will also be pertinent information on the future of business and where some of the biggest brands in the world are heading.

2. Forbes

As one of the largest business magazines in the world, Forbes is a must-read for any entrepreneur running a startup. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from investing and finance to leadership and marketing.

Forbes also has a strong focus on entrepreneurs, with regular features on successful business people. If you want to learn from the best of the best, Forbes is definitely worth checking out and can provide excellent inspiration for your growing startup.

Forbes is known for creating some of the best lists in business where everyday startup entrepreneurs can learn more about who is leading in their industry and how they can hope to reach that status someday.

3. Fortune

All businesspeople have heard of the Fortune 500 and, as its name suggests, this magazine focuses on the biggest businesses in the world. However, that doesn't mean it's not relevant to startup founders.

In fact, Fortune provides valuable insights into what makes these companies successful and how they operate. This can be helpful for entrepreneurs who want to scale their businesses to a similar level of success.

You'll get more journalistic reporting with Fortune as they shine more light on what happens behind the scenes of some of the world's biggest companies.

4. Fast Company

A relative newcomer to the world of business magazines, Fast Company is perfect for startups that want to stay ahead of the curve. As its name suggests, Fast Company focuses on fast-growing businesses and the people behind them.

Each issue includes in-depth profiles of successful entrepreneurs, as well as articles on the latest business trends. If you're looking for a magazine that covers cutting-edge business topics, Fast Company is definitely worth your time. 

It's perfect for the startup entrepreneur who has dreams of creating a unicorn in the business world but wants practical advice on how to go about getting there.

Feeling Inspired? Learn how to launch your company with our guide on How to Start a Startup.

5. WECAN

Any woman-led startup will appreciate this next business magazine on the list. WECAN is a publication that focuses on female entrepreneurs and provides them with resources, advice, and support. 

The magazine includes articles on a wide range of topics, from starting a business to raising capital and everything in between. If you're a woman entrepreneur who wants to connect with other successful women in business, WECAN is the perfect magazine for you.

There aren't many magazines for startup owners who are women, so WECAN provides a much-needed outlet for telling the stories of successful women in the business world.

6. StartupValley Magazine

More directed to startups, StartupValley Magazine focuses on stories of entrepreneurs and their business journeys. 

You will get a lot of firsthand accounts of what it's really like to be an entrepreneur, as well as tips and advice from those who have been there and done that. If you're looking for an honest and inspiring magazine about startups, this is definitely the publication for you.

Some of the other magazines on this list are great general advice, but StartupValley Magazine is perfect for directing your attention to startups specifically.

7. StartUp City Magazine

Another startup-specific magazine, StartUp City helps entrepreneurs in India grow their businesses by providing them with resources, advice, and tips from successful startup founders. 

The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from marketing and sales to product development and fundraising. If you're looking for a publication that will help you take your startup to the next level, StartUp City is definitely worth checking out. 

This magazine is India's leading seller when it comes to business and operates out of New Delhi. It creates an open platform for startups to share and exchange business ideas.

8. CoFounder

One of the only magazines that target the European startup ecosystem, CoFounder is a fantastic resource for startup founders in Europe. 

The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from business and technology to design and lifestyle. If you're a European entrepreneur who wants to connect with other startups in the region, CoFounder is definitely worth checking out. 

Use this magazine for information and as a resource for networking to help you get a leg up on your competition. CoFounder focuses on more long-form storytelling so startups can get a real idea of exactly what it takes to grow and scale their businesses.

9. The Economist

It's incredibly important for startups to have a holistic idea of the shape the business world is in and no other magazine will help as much as The Economist

This magazine is essential for entrepreneurs because it not only covers business and finance but also politics, science, and technology. You need to be well-informed in all these areas to make the best decisions for your startup. 

The Economist will help you understand the complex interconnections between different industries and how they might affect your business, from shipping logistics to sourcing manufacturers.

10. Inc.

Inc. does a great job in following the world's biggest startups and then packaging their stories in a digestible way for its readers. 

Each issue includes inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have made it big, as well as articles on the latest business trends. If you're looking for a magazine that covers cutting-edge business topics, Inc. checks off all the boxes.

It's one of the longest-running business magazines in the world and is an industry leader for small businesses and startups. You'll have plenty of startup case studies to learn from as you scale your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a typical business magazine subscription?

Prices vary, but most business magazines charge around $50 for a one-year subscription and most will offer month-by-month payment subscriptions.

How long should I be subscribed to a startup magazine?

It's generally a good idea to be subscribed to at least one startup magazine for as long as you are running your startup. These magazines can offer valuable advice and insights that can help you grow and succeed. 

Which magazine will help me most as a startup founder?

Finding a startup magazine that focuses on your specific niche or is relatable to where your business is at is the most important. There are several magazines that touch on all levels of a startup business from inception to scale.