Knowledge Marketplace
My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

Back to Mental Models

Asymmetric Risk/Reward

Seek opportunities where you can lose small amounts but win large amounts, or where you have information others lack

Decision Rule

Only invest when downside is limited but upside is potentially massive, or when you have knowledge edge

How It Works

Mathematical expectation works in your favor when risk/reward ratios are skewed positively

Failure Modes

Overestimating your information advantage

Ignoring probability of success in favor of large upside

Taking asymmetric bets you can't afford to lose

Example Decision

Investing $100 in a startup where maximum loss is $100 but potential return is 100x, especially when you have industry knowledge others lack