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The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble
A gripping and entertaining memoir that shines a rare light on an industry that is disrupting our lives.
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 in life, as in technology investing, more money isn’t always the answer.
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 in life, as in technology investing, more money isn’t always the answer.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
349 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
December 12, 2024
After a successful career as a banker at Morgan Stanley, Alok Sama was recruited to join SoftBank. The company’s venture capital fund, Vision Fund, has large stakes in Yahoo, T-Mobile, Alibaba, Nvidia, and WeWork, among others.
In The Money Trap, Sama recounts his time at SoftBank, working through some of the major deals, and working for founder, Masayoshi Son.
The opening of the book starts off very strong, and I kept waiting for the story to turn back to this scene, but it never did. That said, the story was still interesting — Sama’s writing style is accessible with a little dry humor. I’m not a finance girl and he didnt get too granular when describing deals.
If you’re into finance or venture capital, or familiar with SoftBank and its key players already, you may find The Money Trap even more interesting — 3.5 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing a gifted copy.
In The Money Trap, Sama recounts his time at SoftBank, working through some of the major deals, and working for founder, Masayoshi Son.
The opening of the book starts off very strong, and I kept waiting for the story to turn back to this scene, but it never did. That said, the story was still interesting — Sama’s writing style is accessible with a little dry humor. I’m not a finance girl and he didnt get too granular when describing deals.
If you’re into finance or venture capital, or familiar with SoftBank and its key players already, you may find The Money Trap even more interesting — 3.5 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing a gifted copy.
December 25, 2024
Before anything else, loved the writing. It's a page turner and Alok is a phenomenal writer - so much so that by the end of the book, I was looking at creative writing courses from the likes of Oxford and Harvard.
Coming to the book now, it's purely about Masayoshi Son and his venture dealings in the tech world (which cannot be applied overarchingly to the working of any of the startup ecosystem, funding or even Softbank). About his whims and fancies on investing huge amounts of money into (mostly) unproven startups. And how these bets fared on.
The stories are well put out and covers very interesting deals right from Arm to WeWork to Wag, DiDi as well as Masa's hand in the merger between T-mobile and Sprint, among others.
It's an easy and fun read and without giving much thought or expecting too many insights from the book, anybody interested in the world of venture capital, startups or pure business, should definitely give it a read.
Coming to the book now, it's purely about Masayoshi Son and his venture dealings in the tech world (which cannot be applied overarchingly to the working of any of the startup ecosystem, funding or even Softbank). About his whims and fancies on investing huge amounts of money into (mostly) unproven startups. And how these bets fared on.
The stories are well put out and covers very interesting deals right from Arm to WeWork to Wag, DiDi as well as Masa's hand in the merger between T-mobile and Sprint, among others.
It's an easy and fun read and without giving much thought or expecting too many insights from the book, anybody interested in the world of venture capital, startups or pure business, should definitely give it a read.
June 17, 2025
Alok Sama’s The Money Trap is a rare gem in the genre of business writing—a book that not only informs, but also inspires. I’m usually skeptical of business books, but this one easily takes its place alongside classics like When Genius Failed, More Money Than God, or The Man Who Solved the Market. Sama’s debut is as intellectually stimulating as it is elegantly written.
What sets this book apart is Sama himself: a thorough intellectual who moves beyond the narrow confines of a vocation specific skill (could be code for techies, modelling for investment bankers etc) and engages with the world of ideas through music art literature in extremely sophisticated ways. In this book, he moves seamlessly between the world of leveraged buyouts and that of Leo Tolstoy, between the mechanics of a telecom merger and meditations on death. His references—ranging from finance to literature and philosophy—reveal a voracious reader with unusually refined sensibilities. This isn't just a finance book; it is a top notch memoir by a writer who I hope we get to see and read much more of.
Whether you want to be an investment banker, a writer, or simply get diverse recommendations for things to read, The Money Trap offers something that will push you forward. It’s a masterclass in clarity, wit, and range—and the fact that it’s Sama’s first book makes it even more impressive.
This is easily one of the best business books I’ve read this year—and it’s now at the top of my “gift list” for friends.
What sets this book apart is Sama himself: a thorough intellectual who moves beyond the narrow confines of a vocation specific skill (could be code for techies, modelling for investment bankers etc) and engages with the world of ideas through music art literature in extremely sophisticated ways. In this book, he moves seamlessly between the world of leveraged buyouts and that of Leo Tolstoy, between the mechanics of a telecom merger and meditations on death. His references—ranging from finance to literature and philosophy—reveal a voracious reader with unusually refined sensibilities. This isn't just a finance book; it is a top notch memoir by a writer who I hope we get to see and read much more of.
Whether you want to be an investment banker, a writer, or simply get diverse recommendations for things to read, The Money Trap offers something that will push you forward. It’s a masterclass in clarity, wit, and range—and the fact that it’s Sama’s first book makes it even more impressive.
This is easily one of the best business books I’ve read this year—and it’s now at the top of my “gift list” for friends.
September 16, 2024
Alok Sama’s "The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble" is a hilarious examination of high finance for normal people. I am a greenhorn when it comes to finance. Robinhood evokes a cute little bird in a hoodie. I can balance a checkbook *only* if my life depends on it. This book kept me riveted and made me consider my own existential questions about the relationship between money and happiness. It’s a subtle motif in the book, and one that Sama balances beautifully with the depiction of the toll it’s taken on his family and private life.
What sets Sama’s book apart is its sharp wit and incisive self-reflection of a man who sat in on—and spearheaded—some of the greatest financial deals in history. Sama, a scrappy immigrant from India, finds himself navigating the labyrinth of tech investments and corporate intrigues. He doesn’t just recount events—he unpacks the emotional and ethical struggles that come with them. This is a thrilling journey through the insanity of high finance and dealmaking.
From the very first pages, Sama’s humor is evident, providing levity amid the high-stakes decisions and volatile markets. The narrative moves through his career with the energy of someone both fascinated and disillusioned by the world he's a part of. He recounts his years at SoftBank, a company striving to transform itself from a telecom entity to a tech investment juggernaut, all while dealing with the towering ambitions and unpredictable strategies of Masayoshi Son and his right-hand man, Nikesh Arora. These personalities come alive in Sama's pages as complex, often contradictory figures caught up in the whirlwind of their own aspirations.
Sama is a brilliant writer. I found his introspection on family life, especially the tension between his professional ambitions and personal relationships, to be profound and relatable. Read it. You won’t regret it.
What sets Sama’s book apart is its sharp wit and incisive self-reflection of a man who sat in on—and spearheaded—some of the greatest financial deals in history. Sama, a scrappy immigrant from India, finds himself navigating the labyrinth of tech investments and corporate intrigues. He doesn’t just recount events—he unpacks the emotional and ethical struggles that come with them. This is a thrilling journey through the insanity of high finance and dealmaking.
From the very first pages, Sama’s humor is evident, providing levity amid the high-stakes decisions and volatile markets. The narrative moves through his career with the energy of someone both fascinated and disillusioned by the world he's a part of. He recounts his years at SoftBank, a company striving to transform itself from a telecom entity to a tech investment juggernaut, all while dealing with the towering ambitions and unpredictable strategies of Masayoshi Son and his right-hand man, Nikesh Arora. These personalities come alive in Sama's pages as complex, often contradictory figures caught up in the whirlwind of their own aspirations.
Sama is a brilliant writer. I found his introspection on family life, especially the tension between his professional ambitions and personal relationships, to be profound and relatable. Read it. You won’t regret it.
January 16, 2025
Absolute banger of a memoir, written in such a gripping style that one simply cannot put it down. Alok Sama paints his world of high finance and venture capital with the strokes of a seasoned artist - who showcase his skills with panache, but most importantly, is completely unafraid to showcase his flaws - which makes it incredibly unique.
Rarely do we get such grounded, and deeply introspective memoir from the world of high finance - especially when the subjects are still active and powerful. Hats off to Alok!
Rarely do we get such grounded, and deeply introspective memoir from the world of high finance - especially when the subjects are still active and powerful. Hats off to Alok!
September 26, 2024
Couldn’t put it down. A masterful book. Bringing the reader behind the scenes in ways rare for business books.
October 24, 2024
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 one’s 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 Sama’s hilarious one-liner reactions). However, any person can find a reflection of their own humanity and human experience in Sama’s inner monologue. You can fly through the story as it is paced very comfortably, however you’ll find yourself pausing to reflect and digest Sama’s 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?
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?
August 19, 2024
"The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble" by Alok Sama is a gripping, eye-opening exposé of the darker side of the tech industry. Sama's insider perspective and sharp analysis cut through the hype, revealing the precarious realities behind the glittering façade of Silicon Valley. The book masterfully combines detailed financial insights with compelling storytelling, making complex topics both engaging and accessible. Sama's candid reflections on the boom-and-bust cycles offer invaluable lessons for investors and entrepreneurs alike. A must-read for anyone interested in the true cost of chasing the next big thing in tech.
October 29, 2024
Alok Sama comes across as a polymath and this book is a fabulous start into a writing as a career or even as an avocation. It’s an insight into a post investment banking career in SoftBank during an interesting period. It’s the detail, style and descriptions that make this a great read. For someone who took to writing at a late stage, this is brilliant start and he definitely should write more. For a Delhi boy perhaps a year older than me, he has really gone to the top of a rarefied world.
October 6, 2024
Brilliant, honest and smart rendition of Sama’s experience in the upper echelons of finance and tech.
October 16, 2024
So well written. The author needs to start a blog! This book gave me an understanding of the finance world that I never knew or understood. Bravo . Five stars !
December 24, 2024
This insightful memoir captivated me from the very first page. Alok Sama, a seasoned banker, takes us deep into the world of tech investing, navigating the high-stakes environment of SoftBank, one of the most powerful firms in the world. What struck me most was the author's unique perspective- his storytelling isn't just about deals and money. It’s about the people behind those massive decisions, especially his relationship with SoftBank’s visionary founder, Masayoshi Son.
I found the writing to be a refreshing blend of humor, honesty, and vulnerability. The author doesn’t shy away from his mistakes or the toll this high-pressure world has on him personally. His self-deprecating humor gives the memoir a human touch, reminding us that even those who sit at the top are far from immune to the struggles of life.
The author’s ability to share both the thrilling highs and the tough, even darker moments of his career is worth appreciating. It wasn’t just about the big wins and billion-dollar deals; it was about the cost of success and the moral questions that come with it. The Money Trap feels like a personal journey, a tale of ambition, reflection, and the realization that more money isn’t always the answer to everything.
I have not only learned about the tech world but also about the human side of it, the price of chasing greatness and the moments of self-reflection that come with it. Alok Sama’s honesty makes this a truly compelling read.
I found the writing to be a refreshing blend of humor, honesty, and vulnerability. The author doesn’t shy away from his mistakes or the toll this high-pressure world has on him personally. His self-deprecating humor gives the memoir a human touch, reminding us that even those who sit at the top are far from immune to the struggles of life.
The author’s ability to share both the thrilling highs and the tough, even darker moments of his career is worth appreciating. It wasn’t just about the big wins and billion-dollar deals; it was about the cost of success and the moral questions that come with it. The Money Trap feels like a personal journey, a tale of ambition, reflection, and the realization that more money isn’t always the answer to everything.
I have not only learned about the tech world but also about the human side of it, the price of chasing greatness and the moments of self-reflection that come with it. Alok Sama’s honesty makes this a truly compelling read.
September 26, 2024
Absolutely crackling read. Disturbing at times. Illuminating at times... Also fleshes out the conflcit one faces when its all about obscene amounts of money and fewer values. Money and power are powerful seducers. That's a cliche but it's good to be reminded. Mostly it seems, the pursuit of money and the accumulation of it assuages any thoughts you may have about the greater good and your own role in the journey of karma and life.
Bankers in my opinion are arrogant. Their body language reflects that attitude and is deeply unattractive but largely they themselves seem unaware of this. However this author is thoughtful and ponders over his role and actions. I suspect his immediate family kept human. People of south delhi, India who grew up a certain time and era and who are part of a certain social set will enjoy this one. I couldn't put it down.
Bankers in my opinion are arrogant. Their body language reflects that attitude and is deeply unattractive but largely they themselves seem unaware of this. However this author is thoughtful and ponders over his role and actions. I suspect his immediate family kept human. People of south delhi, India who grew up a certain time and era and who are part of a certain social set will enjoy this one. I couldn't put it down.
September 27, 2024
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 work 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.
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 work 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.
October 24, 2024
Couldn’t put it down! Alok Sama’s book offers more than just the highlights of his impressive career; it dives deep into the lessons, insights, and personal stories behind his decisions. Thoughtfully and honestly written in a relatable voice, Alok shares his journey as an Indian immigrant rising through the finance world, with plenty of incredible and sometimes crazy stories along the way. A must-read for anyone interested in finance, leadership, or an inspiring life story.
November 8, 2024
Engaging, funny and witty!
This is not your normal finance / business book (if you’ve come expecting heavy finance & business concepts / jargons).
However, the book gives a great insight into deal making / a normal day at work at one of the biggest finance groups.
Alok’s conversational writing style using anecdotes & metaphors makes the book seem like a very well made “behind the scenes” video (of a movie).
Must read!
This is not your normal finance / business book (if you’ve come expecting heavy finance & business concepts / jargons).
However, the book gives a great insight into deal making / a normal day at work at one of the biggest finance groups.
Alok’s conversational writing style using anecdotes & metaphors makes the book seem like a very well made “behind the scenes” video (of a movie).
Must read!
December 30, 2024
The Money Trap is the best narrative non-fiction book I’ve read in years. From Ibiza to Silicon Valley to London to Marmaris, Alok masterfully recounts the flight paths of the tens of billions of dollars flying around the VC and start-up world. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day! Highly recommended for anyone looking for an easy-to-read gripping narrative. Can’t wait to read more from Alok!
October 10, 2024
It was an absolute page-turner—I stayed up until 3 am last night and finished it this morning. I couldn’t focus on anything else until I reached the end. It’s so well written, with Alok’s signature style blending humor, insight, and introspection. The story is unbelievable—truly stranger than fiction. I hope this is just the beginning of many more to come!
December 2, 2024
Great book! Mr. Sama’s writing is accessible, and he’s managed to bring the world of rarefied finance down to earth so us mortals can take a look. I usually devour books quickly but savored this one: “The Money Trap” a very good read and you’ll be glad you took the time to read it. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
June 12, 2025
Riveting read from start to finish. Sama San puts it all out there in an interesting mix of biography, history and humor. Once I started I finished in 3 days. Excellent book
June 19, 2024
A phenomenally educational and entertaining book! As someone who is growing increasingly interested in this space I learned and enormous amount of information and found it all very entertaining! I highly recommend this book!
December 12, 2024
I recommend this book to all my mates. A brilliant story of an amazing career.
July 26, 2025
Alok Sama went from wanting to solve Fermat's last theorem to becoming a highly successful investment banker at Morgan Stanley. What happened thereafter is the subject of this book though - his time as the CFO of Softbank, working alongside the crazy tech visionary and investor Masayoshi Son. Drafted in by bitech wizard Nikesh Arora, Sama played a starring role in structuring and financing the trans-continental bets that Masa took on, and the highly leveraged financial engineering that enabled them. The detailed accounts of the marquee deals are fascinating (Arm Holdings, Sprint - T-Mobile, Oyo, Vision Fund, etc.), with multiple encounters and hobnobbing with tech billionaires & state heads, while traversing the glitz of private jets, expensive wines, & exclusive parties.
In parallel, he also builds the narrative of a smear campaign, conspiracies and threats targeted at him (and Nikesh) by vested interests - you feel that will evolve into a separate thrilling premise, but fizzles out sheepishly in the end. The affable and engaging writing style shines through the book, especially the sprinkles of his dry & self-deprecating wit. He also opens up on his personal/family life in a deeply philosophical way, allowing you to connect with the human behind the pen.
In parallel, he also builds the narrative of a smear campaign, conspiracies and threats targeted at him (and Nikesh) by vested interests - you feel that will evolve into a separate thrilling premise, but fizzles out sheepishly in the end. The affable and engaging writing style shines through the book, especially the sprinkles of his dry & self-deprecating wit. He also opens up on his personal/family life in a deeply philosophical way, allowing you to connect with the human behind the pen.
October 6, 2024
Read as an ARC. I cannot lie- the cover reminds me a lot of the beginning of "Mad Men", one of my favorite shows. The book itself was astounding. I had never heard of SoftBank nor its "visionary", so it was eye opening anyway, but Sama's writing made a lot of complex shit easier to figure out in a business capacity, and his writing and sense of humor, especially in the wake of what he went through when things started going very wrong, makes this unputdownable.
October 14, 2024
An absorbing read; highly recommended
I recently finished The Money Trap and found it to be a really engaging read. Alok has a great way of drawing you into the story, making it easy to follow and hard to put down. It reminded me of The Billionaire’s Apprentice by Anita Raghavan. Looking forward to what he writes next.
I recently finished The Money Trap and found it to be a really engaging read. Alok has a great way of drawing you into the story, making it easy to follow and hard to put down. It reminded me of The Billionaire’s Apprentice by Anita Raghavan. Looking forward to what he writes next.
October 3, 2024
This was one of my favorite business books. The deal popcorn, deep personalities, and brutal honesty had me
feeling like I was at the table for the conversations.
feeling like I was at the table for the conversations.
October 20, 2024
Super book!
Brilliantly and eloquently written page turner of a book. Lots of contemporary wisdom slightly marred by insincere use of the ‘f’ word.
Brilliantly and eloquently written page turner of a book. Lots of contemporary wisdom slightly marred by insincere use of the ‘f’ word.
October 31, 2024
This book was the best I've read all year. In banking books, up there along with Barbarians and King of Capital!
December 11, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book! Got me hooked till the end. Deep dive into the investment banking and PE/ VC space with flawless writing & storytelling. Highly recommend to one and all!
January 20, 2025
This book sets a high benchmark for non-fiction writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews