By Mohit Hira
Within the title itself of Rahul Chandra’s Tightrope to the Moon: How Mega Founders Win the Startup War lies a hint of his 2019 book The Moonshot Game: Adventures of an Indian Venture Capitalist. Some venture capitalists and startup founders may be unaware, but the term ‘moonshot’ originated in the mid-1960s when NASA began work on its ambitious Apollo 11 mission: it refers to a project that is extremely difficult—if not impossible—to achieve, but has the potential to be a gamechanger, and encourages unconventional thinking and experimentation to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Rahul Chandra is eminently qualified to write about this journey fraught with fear and challenges that startup founders undergo. He has had a ringside view of the evolving nature of tech entrepreneurship “from creating technology to make technology businesses better to making human lives smarter”.
For both founders and investors, however, Chandra’s book collates a seasoned venture capitalist’s insights that explore the complex world of startups and entrepreneurship. Drawing on over two decades of experience in the business himself, he offers a compelling narrative that should inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and also provide VCs and edgy startup founders with valuable learnings into the mindset and behaviours that eventually lead to success.
Chandra begins by establishing a framework for understanding what he terms the “mega founder”. He posits that these individuals possess unique traits which enable them to navigate the volatile landscape of startups. The book emphasises that eventually successful founders are not merely business leaders; they are visionaries who embody resilience, creativity, passion and an unyielding drive to succeed. This notion is encapsulated in his assertion that “founders go through falls, not failures”, emphasising the significance of perseverance in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
He draws on his extensive interactions with thousands of founders to distil key characteristics that define successful entrepreneurs. He introduces the concept of the “Key”—a pivotal figure in any startup who embodies the vision and exudes infectious energy. This individual is often the last to abandon ship during tough times, showcasing an unwavering commitment to their mission. Chandra’s vivid descriptions of these founders’ journeys should serve as a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs who may feel overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. As part of an early-stage VC fund, I often see committed, intelligent founders sacrificing personal short-term gain for a larger good, and can relate to this.
Anyone who has dealt with startups knows that a founder’s mindset is critical to achieve entrepreneurial success, and this is one of the central themes of Tightrope to the Moon. Chandra emphasises that a founder’s mental resilience is paramount; they must be able to withstand not only external pressures but also internal doubts.
He notes, “A founder’s mind is a deep dark well, in its crevices rest the secrets that when passed reveal the ideal behaviour pattern that could create mega outcomes”.
This insight resonates particularly with unsure startup founders who may struggle with self-doubt or fear of failure. Nurturing an idea from its fragile state to fruition in the form of a successful business venture is a creative process and will invariably lead to moments of self-questioning. When this happens to anyone invested in the sector, sections of this book will be worth referring to.
Chandra also discusses how successful founders cultivate a growth mindset, allowing them to scale up, to learn from setbacks rather than being defined by them.
This perspective is essential for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned VC professionals who must evaluate potential investments with an understanding of the founder’s journey and mindset.
For venture capitalists, Tightrope to the Moon offers a wealth of knowledge on identifying promising startups and founders. Chandra provides a framework for assessing not just business models but also the emotional and psychological attributes of founders. He argues that understanding these traits can significantly influence investment decisions— a fact that has been proven in myriad cases. For instance, he notes that acknowledging luck as a factor in success can help founders remain grounded and avoid arrogance.
Moreover, Chandra highlights the importance of relationships in venture capital. He argues that successful investments often stem from strong partnerships between investors and founders, built on trust and mutual respect. This perspective encourages seasoned VC professionals to engage more deeply with their portfolio companies, fostering environments where innovation can thrive.
Throughout Tightrope to the Moon, Chandra includes a variety of case studies that illustrate his hypotheses. These narratives provide concrete examples of how certain behaviours and mindsets have led to remarkable successes or failures in startups.
He discusses how some founders exhibit what he calls “nuclear reactor nature”, characterised by explosive energy that propels their startups forward even in challenging circumstances. However, there is a fair amount of generalisation that tends to make the narrative theoretical without contextual allusions to specific startups or founders. A chapter called Marathon Mindset is a delight to read with Murakami quoted and references to the author’s childhood years in Dehradun; and while the analogy is apt because “like in a marathon, pace management is the code for running startups too”, being a marathoner doesn’t necessarily mean one will be a successful founder. And it is this kind of easy conclusion that a practitioner needs to be aware of.
The case studies he does refer to serve as both cautionary tales and sources of encouragement for readers. They underscore the idea that while success is not guaranteed, specific patterns can be observed among those who achieve it. This insight can be invaluable for both new entrepreneurs seeking guidance and experienced investors looking for signs of potential success. And until the time some VC firms overcome their laxity in accurately documenting these learnings, this book will serve as a worthy reckoner.
Chandra also does not shy away from discussing the numerous challenges faced by founders. He acknowledges that the startup journey is one of uncertainty, chaos, and emotional turmoil. His candid exploration of these difficulties serves as a reminder that every entrepreneur’s path is unique and often nonlinear.
For nervous startup founders, this honesty can be reassuring; it normalises their struggles and encourages them to persist despite setbacks. Chandra’s emphasis on resilience—“managing the burn”—is particularly relevant for those who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.
In conclusion, Tightrope to the Moon stands out as an essential read for anyone involved in or considering a career in venture capital or entrepreneurship. The author’s insights into the minds of mega founders illuminate not just what it takes to succeed but also how to navigate the inevitable challenges along the way. For young aspiring entrepreneurs, this book serves as both a guide and inspiration—a reminder that while the path may be littered with difficulties, it is also filled with opportunities for growth, reinvention and innovation. For seasoned VCs, it reinforces the importance of understanding founder dynamics and investing in people as much as ideas.
Ultimately, Chandra’s work encourages all readers—whether they are just starting out or are well-established—to embrace their journeys with optimism and resilience.
As he aptly puts it, navigating this tightrope requires not just skill but also an unwavering belief in oneself and one’s vision for change.
The author is co-founder, Myriad Communications, and venture partner at YourNest Capital Advisors.
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