Loonshot Ideas

Most breakthrough innovations were initially dismissed as "crazy" or "unrealistic." These are what Safi Bahcall calls Loonshots.

The Power of Fragility

The most important ideas are often the most fragile. They require protected environments—"nurseries"—where they can be nurtured without the pressure of immediate commercial success or the scrutiny of traditional metrics.

Key Principles

1. Separate the Phases: Keep your "artists" (working on loonshots) and "soldiers" (maintaining the core business) distinct.
2. Dynamic Equilibrium: Ensure a constant flow of ideas and feedback between the two.
3. Manage the Transfer: The transition from idea to product is where most loonshots fail.

In our consulting work, we help companies build the structures necessary to support these radical ideas while maintaining operational excellence.