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The Money Trap

Grand Fortunes and Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble

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The Money Trap

By: Alok Sama
Narrated by: Raza Jaffrey
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About this listen

‘A riveting page-turner about the world of technology and dealmaking’ – Jonathan Safran Foer, author of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

'An extraordinary account… details the thrills and horrors of the risks [Sama] so frequently took'

Sunday Times

A gripping, wildly entertaining memoir that takes you behind the scenes of global business and shines a rare light on the people that are reshaping our world.


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 story, 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.

'[A] raffish and funny exposé of life on the highest peaks of finance . . . wittily observed . . . I imagine the financially ambitious reader drooling with pleasure' - Wall Street Journal

©2024 Alok Sama (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
Business Professionals & Academics Funny Witty Investing Money

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Critic reviews

'A fascinating story about money, power and the culture of the rarified group of people who wield it. Told with self-deprecating humor, this is an entertaining and illuminating memoir about what it’s like to find yourself in the room as some of the biggest deals in history are being made' (Hari Kunzru, author of Blue Ruin, White Tears, Red Pill, Transmission and The Impressionist)

'An insider’s thrilling tale of dark corporate doings, a great how-to business text, a compendium of fun riffs on modern culture, a flashlight shone on the insanity of high finance . . . Sama writes with authority and panache, humor and outrage, and above all knowledge . . . If this book doesn’t become a bestseller, the world truly makes no sense' (Darin Strauss, National Book Critics Circle Award–winning author of Half a Life and The Queen of Tuesday)

'A shot of adrenaline that takes you directly inside some of the most secretive rooms in tech and finance . . . a colourful insider’s look into the companies that rule our world' (Rob Copeland, New York Times bestselling author of The Fund)

All stars
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This was an interesting story well told, with great inside info about huge Tec deals. A bit self-satisfied in places (do we need the name of every five star hotel and Michelin star restaurant?) but I guess it adds to the overall ethos of the story.

Interesting story well told

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Thrilling read. Beautifully written. What a privilege to have been a part of this amazing journey with SoftBank.

Rare to find a book on finance these days that holds you in its spell until you finish.

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I just could not put this down. Super engaging, brilliantly crafted piece from Alok Sama on his personal experiences in the realm of technology and dealmaking. Highly recommended for all listeners!

Fascinating thriller. Captivating summary of the world of high finance and technology investing. A must read!

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Really enjoyed the detailed and thrilling listen. Alok has done a great job at articulating his interesting journey and provides many anecdotes on how visionary Mayosi Son actually thinks! Would highly recommend!!

Detailed and Exciting Read Through the Roller-Coaster of Tech Investing

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Alok has crafted a brilliant, insider’s account of the high-stakes world of investment banking and venture capital in The Money Trap. Through compelling storytelling and sharp insights, he reveals the inner workings and intense pressures of these industries, drawing readers into the heart of finance’s most exclusive circles. His writing is as impressive as his finance credentials, transforming complex deals and strategic maneuvers into an engaging narrative that’s both accessible and enlightening. This book establishes Alok as not only an industry expert but also a gifted writer. I’m already looking forward to his next book!

True insight into investment banking and Venture capital

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Amazingly written and captivating story of the investment banking and venture capital world. It was sooo good

Very very well written!

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If you’re a StartUp founder who’s already tried to learn about how the people think who are behind the scenes within the two comma investment clubs (Millionaire money).

This amazing book is a must read for the ScaleUp founders wanting to learn how the people think behind the scenes in the three comma clubs (Billionaire money).

The book goes deep into this very hidden investment rabbit hole, a world that most founders never get any insights on.

It talks about how some investment deals cut are as crazy as the founders and businesses they’re investing in.

Huge wins, huge losses with some of the world’s biggest investment examples to learn from.

Along with a very open and honest, exciting and sad behind the curtain insight on the pros and cons it has as an effect on the life-roadmap’s of those running these three comma clubs.

Kindest Regards
Gary Woodhead FRSA
Co-Founder of CurveBlock & The Shared Economy

A must read for all ScaleUp entrepreneurs & founders.

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Firstly superb narration of a very interesting and well documented story that of Alok’s career with SoftBank. Once started couldn’t put it down.

Super insight into SoftBank

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I enjoyed the way the author makes bankers look that some have a soul and not all at corrupt and greedy.

The world of bankers.

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This was a really enjoyable and strangely relaxing listen given it’s a story, on the surface, about technology, finance and big deals. The writing flows and the humour, honesty and insights interweaves and softens the business element. It is detailed enough to not be dumbed down but also isn’t too detailed as to bore or confuse and you feel you’ve learned bits along the way. The reason I enjoyed it so much is because the story ended up being so much more than an inside look at SoftBank and I found myself rooting for the author as he seeks to find himself amidst the craziness.

Strangely relaxing!

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