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Lost illusions inside the tech bubble: The Money Trap
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Lost illusions inside the tech bubble: The Money Trap

Atomic ideas from the book The money trap by Alok Sama

Veteran Morgan Stanley banker Alok Sama thought he’d seen it all. Then he found himself chief dealmaker at the most influential technology investor in the world: SoftBank, backer of Arm Holdings, Yahoo, Nvidia, TikTok, Uber, T-Mobile, Alibaba and WeWork.

The Money Trap is Sama’s thrilling, stranger-than-fiction personal odyssey detailing his experiences alongside SoftBank’s iconic founder Masayoshi Son – a visionary maverick who wants to be remembered as ‘the crazy guy who bet on the future’ and whose mission is ‘happiness for everyone’. Sama takes the reader on a wild ride as he consorts with billionaire CEOs and heads of state, negotiates mega-deals across the world and contends with a mysterious dark-arts smear campaign that takes a toll on his private life.

This fascinating and humorous saga provides a unique insider perspective on an industry that is disrupting our daily lives. Written with self-deprecating wit, unflinching honesty and searing introspection, The Money Trap is ultimately a morality tale: in life, as in technology investing, more money isn’t always the answer.

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Here’s what you’ll learn from the book:

  • The Power of Vision: Visionaries like Masayoshi Son drive innovation, but their risks are not without consequences.

  • Challenges of High-Stakes Investing: Tech investments involve navigating complex financial and personal dynamics.

  • Moral Reflections: Money isn’t always the answer—wealth can complicate personal and professional lives.

  • Resilience in Adversity: Dealmaking at the highest levels brings unique challenges, including personal attacks and smear campaigns.

  • The Human Side of Business: Success comes at a personal cost, often affecting private lives.

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