Eric Ries is an American entrepreneur and author best known for his work in the field of startup management. He gained prominence with his book, The Lean Startup, which outlines a systematic approach to developing businesses and products. Ries emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping, validated learning, and iterative product releases to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the startup process. In addition to his writing, Ries is the co-founder of The Lean Startup Company, which provides resources and training for entrepreneurs. He has also served as an advisor to various startups and organizations, helping them implement lean principles to foster innovation and growth.