The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble
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A gripping and entertaining memoir that shines a rare light on an industry that is disrupting our lives.
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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, the 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 featuring 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 journey as he consorts with A-list CEOs and heads of state, and negotiates mega-deals on a Gulfstream jet, Son’s sanctuary with its exquisite Japanese garden, and a waterside restaurant in the Turkish Riviera―all while contending 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 the insanity of high finance and venture investing. 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.
From the Publisher
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press (September 17, 2024)
Language : English
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250332842
ISBN-13 : 978-1250332844
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.8 x 1 x 8.6 inches
Customers say
Customers find the writing style fun, witty, and engaging. They describe the book as thought-provoking and riveting. Readers also appreciate the terrific combination of self-deprecation, cynical humor, and grace. They say the appeal is broader and the book is an enjoyable read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
13 reviews for The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble
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Original price was: $30.00.$23.35Current price is: $23.35.
S. K. Conn –
A must read
A riveting, canât put the book down read. Alokâs 40 year career in finance provides him with a ring side seat to some of the most important business developments of the era , but no, more than that, he is in the ring as a cornerman, putting on the gloves and arming one of the most consequential business figures of our time. This is a man who inhabits a rarefied world of encounters with the good and the great and is in the center of some of the storied financial transactions of the past few decades. The narrative he weaves is self deprecating and witty, with an abundant dose of irony. His affectionate portrayal of Masayoshi Son as a modern day Gatsby, the youâve- gotta -be- kidding me reaction to Adam Neumann of We Work and itâs jaw dropping valuation, are some of the bookâs highlights. He is erudite and the book is littered with musical and literary references , which rather than pretentious and show-offy, enrich a narrative which could easily have slid off into self-congratulation. And while lovers of business and finance will enjoy the read, the bookâs appeal is broader and I cannot recommend it enough.Sunil Khanna
A –
A must-read!
The Money Trap offers a captivating glimpse into the high-stakes world of international finance through the eyes of Alok Sama, as he navigates the corporate labyrinth working for Masayoshi Son at SoftBank. The book is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the intricate and often volatile relationships that shape global venture capital and finance. Sama’s experiences and allegorical way of looking at the world are both insightful and riveting, making this book a true page-turner. With its vivid and often humorous portrayal of back-room dealings, high-risk decisions, and the personalities that drive them, The Money Trap is a must-read for anyone interested in the real-world drama of high finance. I couldnât put it down.
Ajit Dugal –
A rare Must Re-read book
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Alok Sama has written a unique one and his writing style is fun, witty, and engaging. While full of information and insight into the world of Investment Banking, the author colors his narrative with thought provoking segues and first person blurbs-ones that we all have, but never share. Alok also shares bits and pieces of his personal life that show an intensely grounded family man. This is a book that bears rereading after you have spent some time digesting all you can from the first time. I cannot recommend this book more highly. One more thing, kudos to the author for not pointing fingers regarding the attacks on him and Nikesh Arora…..the truth came out on its own.
justin manson –
Exceptionally well written and a great story
I was immediately drawn in and could not stop! Great writing, terrific combination of self-deprecation, cynical humour, grace where it counts, and a great story. Above all, distinctively and well written.
T. Somers –
Entertaining with a caveat
Enjoyable and well written. However, nothing really new here as it an aggregation of material already written. The writer seems to deliberately avoid offending others and adding a bit too much flattery. Otherwise itâs a good read.
M. Josephson –
Sama is a master story-teller
Alok Sama has written a dryly funny memoir that I just could not put down. He sets the scenes, includes validating (and juicy) detail and just pulls you into his world. In the end this is not actually a story about Masa Son or SoftBank or Nikesh or finance/ventureâ¦.it is a story of a smart, ambitious, hard working and family-loving immigrant who earns a gilded life but remains cautious, thoughtful and sharply attuned to the dangers all around him.
BattyCool –
Wit, Snark, Pathos – Killer Combo
Highly enjoyable read – combines the thrill of voyeurism into “billionaire capitalism” with geeky deep dives into finance and valuation, but all grounded by a very personal story that’s all about the meaning (or lack thereof) of life in the fast lane, and as a rootless member of a sprawling global diaspora. Delighted and surprised in equal measure.
GG –
He writes like his literary heroes!
I just finished reading Alokâs incredibly well written book in a 4 day sprint and I come away a happy and inspired person. Despite having a storied career in finance, Alok hasnât lost touch with who he really is at heart. Maybe itâs because a lot of his interests resonate with mine, but I tend to judge the quality of prose by the authors ability to draw meaningful inferences which are timeless indicators of the human experience that we go through our lives, no matter which era we are born in. Alok has been able to draw these inferences with a lot of beauty. I love the way he talks about his literary heroes and how the things they wrote or sang reflect in his experiences throughout his life and career. A particularly poignant part of the story is his reflection about his relationship with his parents. Itâs so refreshing to see a person not lose his basic humanity, sense of decency, and love for his roots, despite the allure of money. As much as I enjoyed the paragraphs about Loro Piana jumpers, Hermes ties, Zegna suits and La Tache wines, I equally enjoyed his honest reflections on the story of his life. I have read a lot of autobiographies / biographies of bankers and investors, and somehow most fail the test of humility. In no way did it seem that the book was a self congratulatory trope of a bored and rich Indian dude who made it big in the West. Alok has demonstrated the ability to recognise his own failures and is unabashedly candid about them. The one thing that annoyed me a little bit was the over emphasis on the flashiness of a bankerâs lifestyle. Maybe because I am no longer enamored by these things. But then, I think it was more of a literary device to keep the story a bit larger-than-life. There were a couple of errors in the book too. But overall, I loved it.
A –
A must read for anyone wanting to reflect on their place in the world and understand both the forces shaping the economic headlines, but also shaping oneâs own life and career. The scope of the book and the vantage point in the inner sanctums of global high finance can seem intimidating, but Sama is a witty and humane guide. There are, of course, delicious tidbits and scenes from the crazy world of high finance and tech investing – and an inside look into some of the biggest deals in history (peppered with Samaâs hilarious one-liner reactions). However, any person can find a reflection of their own humanity and human experience in Samaâs inner monologue. You can fly through the story as it is paced very comfortably, however youâll find yourself pausing to reflect and digest Samaâs ruminations, which span from dissecting the never ending search for *more* to identity and belonging as an immigrant and many more.Highly recommend. Even if you just want to read the crazy inside story of the deals everyone has heard of and wondered – how the f did they happen?
Mohit Gupta –
I purchased this book after reading about it somewhere and bought it. the moment I started reading I was hooked. this book makes you feel that you are sitting with Alok on his journey all along.what an amazing writing style. Alok’s way of telling the story to us as reader makes us feel that we are peeking into every single meeting in the book from behind his shoulders and being part of those conversations as a listener. just superb weekend read. Loved it.
Carlo –
I couldnât put the book down. Having watched SoftBank and The Vision Fund over many years, the various mega deals etc it was just fabulous to have an inside seat into their operations and participation/influence on the major Technology bull market. Very eye opening.Having not been an investment banker, nor privy to what happens in the largest deals, it was amazing to get an insight as to whatâs happening in the room with all the various parties. This book is a must read for any aspiring finance professional.The authorâs humanity shines though and there are some surprisingly moving personal parts to the story.The only downside is I left wanting a G550/650!
The Chairman –
Alok Sama was on the SoftBank stage with Son-san and an elaborate ensemble of irresistible characters. Masa will be undoubtedly be seen as one of the greatest technology investors of our time with an appetite for combining strategic, operational and financial risk which not even a handful of our generation has had the courage or talent to emulate. Sama has captured the essence of the moment, the craziness and the beauty of hope in the future.
Amazon Customer –
While the title has indications of a thrilling expose, the book is merely an account of work experience of the author at Softbank painted with mind numbing details and embellishments. Doesn’t cover anything on the core subject in detail except for his luxurious experiences and perks.