Burn Rate is not just a memoir- it’s a deeply revealing account of what it really takes to build a brand, maintain investor confidence, and lead a company while silently battling mental illness. Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos, pulls no punches in exposing both the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and the private breakdowns that almost cost him everything.

At the center of the book is a brutal contradiction: Dunn was a poster boy for startup success—raising millions, getting acquired by Walmart, and reinventing how men shop online. But inside, he was unravelling. Diagnosed later in life with bipolar disorder, Dunn paints a vivid picture of what it means to appear perfectly composed on the outside while managing internal chaos. He details episodes of mania, hospitalization, emotional volatility, and the weight of pretending nothing was wrong in front of his team and board.

What sets Burn Rate apart is its stark challenge to the glorification of hustle culture. Dunn questions whether entrepreneurs are encouraged to ignore their humanity in favor of performance metrics. He argues that unchecked mental health issues can turn talented leaders into dangerous liabilities—not only to themselves, but to the people and companies they’re responsible for.

Through stories of product launches, investor battles, and co-founder clashes, Dunn also explores the fragile nature of startup partnerships. His relationship with co-founder Brian Spaly deteriorates early on, setting the tone for how personal tension can deeply affect company dynamics. He also shares insights into raising capital, building a consumer brand, and navigating acquisition talks with giants like Walmart.

However, the real value lies in the unflinching honesty. This isn’t a book about best practices or clever growth hacks. It’s about what happens when the founder becomes the risk. Dunn’s willingness to share his failures—emotional, relational, and operational—serves as a powerful call to make mental health a central part of entrepreneurship conversations.

Burn Rate ultimately redefines what strength in leadership looks like. Not dominance or perfection, but the courage to face your own demons and still show up for the mission.