"Startups need to identify their moat and build their company around it."

Mixing up metaphors. I think you want to be inside the moat.

Similar to the message of one of my favorite marketing books:

http://www.amazon.com/Differentiate-Die-Survival-Killer-Comp...

def a smart guy, I still think the average joe can't learn a lot from someone who can't see the world the same (too much money).. and what he does remember from being poor (20-30 years ago or longer) is now obsolete.

Still i'm sure he is a great guy.