Almost everything driving human progress stems from what Google calls a "moonshot." Coined by its secretive research lab, X, this term describes ambitious technologies with massive potential—yet few entrepreneurs dare to fund them fully. What exactly is a moonshot? And why do investors hesitate, even as billions flow into select ventures?
To qualify as a moonshot, a technology must meet strict criteria:
Like the name implies, it's a high-stakes bet: pour resources into an idea hoping it reaches the moon. A classic example? The Wright brothers' airplane. With modest funding and deep knowledge of early 20th-century physics and engineering, they achieved powered flight. Nearly every groundbreaking invention began as a moonshot.
Venture capitalists typically operate with tight budgets, prioritizing projects with proven ROI potential. These are often mature startups with a minimum viable product (MVP) that demonstrates clear revenue paths. Moonshots rarely fit this mold—they're too risky and unproven.
That said, deep-pocketed players like Google X can chase long-term, world-changing ideas. They've backed self-driving cars, Project Wing (drone delivery), and Project Loon (high-altitude balloons for internet access in remote areas). In 2015 alone, 100 such projects failed—but with billions available, X absorbs losses, secures patents, and repurposes tech. Beyond revenue, the real payoff is pioneering: entering uncharted markets creates new economic sectors with minimal competition.
Fortune 100 moonshots gave us smartphones, LCDs, tablets—and endless cat videos. While successes inspire, the near-misses (vertical farming? Floating cargo planes?) fascinate too. Some ideas may simply not be ready yet.
What's your favorite failed moonshot? Share in the comments!
