The Limerent Innovator

Key points

Limerence is a term from the psychology of romantic obsession, the psychopathology of loving too much.

Innovation limerence starts with a spark, but market data does not survive the reality distortion field.

Just like a limerent lover, the limerent innovator projects an idealized version of the self onto the venture.

Innovation limerence dissolves the moment the founder stops using the idea as a mirror.

Limerence is a term from the psychology of romantic obsession, the psychopathology of loving too much—intrusive thoughts, emotional dependency, and an unbearable hunger for reciprocation.

In romance, the fixation is a person. In innovation, the fixation is on an idea. And the parallels are uncanny.

Innovation limerence starts with a spark. Then the spark becomes destiny. T