The Money Trap

A fascinating story and great personal memoir by a globetrotting champion Alok Sama . Thanks for amazing insights, craziness , secrets , humor ( cook and hunter ) and many many learnings .. A must read !! Thanks Alok Sama !! Gratitude and Commitment !!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exceptional book, which provides a comprehensive overview of the private equity world. The author masterfully outlines the thought process behind every investment decision, shedding light on the strategies employed by renowned investors and their willingness to take bold action when opportunities arise. The narrative is engaging, fast-paced, and richly detailed, with vivid descriptions of settings, conversations, and even culinary experiences that transport readers into the heart of the action.

The book offers an inside look into the author’s time at SoftBank. Some chapters are engaging, providing detailed accounts of key decisions, events, and the author’s perspective on the investment landscape during that period. These parts make for an insightful read.However, many chapters fall short in presentation and depth. The author could have added more value by exploring what drove startup valuations during that time, the investment philosophies of various competing funds chasing the same deals, and the unique challenges and considerations involved in investing in Asian startups. These omissions leave the reader wanting a more comprehensive view of the market context in which SoftBank was operating.Overall, it’s a decent one-time read for those curious about venture capital and SoftBank’s role in shaping the startup ecosystem, but it misses the opportunity to be a more analytical or reflective work.

Makes a wonderful read - captivating and riveting. How successful CEOs have a nag to see upcoming opportunities & create great businesses. But the not so worthy also survive and flourish - ultimately ruining others. What I found most striking is that the Author despite reaching great heights , always remains humble and down to earth - never regrets parting ways with SoftBank for his principles and dignity.

Great reading experience. Love the way the author has portrayed his one too many frustrations. The writing is commendable

The book starts off like a financial thriller—with a mysterious smear campaign and high-stakes dealmaking. But it slowly loses its edge.Alok Sama’s journey from banker to SoftBank’s top dealmaker had the potential to be gripping. Instead, the narrative gets bogged down in jargon, name-dropping, and insider lingo. It’s not quite a memoir, not quite a business exposé—just somewhere in between.As a reader, I found myself waiting for it to land emotionally or deliver deeper insight. It doesn’t. The book flirts with drama, but doesn’t commit to storytelling.In the end, it feels like being invited to a high-powered meeting that drags on too long—interesting at first, but hard to stay with.

As someone who's spent over a decade scaling fast-paced internet businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how ambition can take over—not just your time, but your identity.What struck me about Alok’s story was the brutal honesty. He doesn’t glamorize success—he dissects it. The constant chase for more, the shifting definitions of fulfillment, the compromises we don’t even notice until much later—it all resonated deeply.What I appreciated most is that The Money Trap doesn’t preach. It invites. It invites you to pause, to reflect, and to question if the goals we’re chasing are even ours to begin with.A powerful read for anyone navigating growth, pressure, reinvention—and especially those in the middle of it all. Thank you, Alok, for putting such a thoughtful mirror to the journey so many of us are on.

A brilliant insight into how the world of investment works!Genuinely enjoyed reading this one! Alok’s style of narrating also keeps you quite engaged.Would definitely recommend this one!