Entrepreneurial ventures often fail in the developing world because of the lack of something taken for granted in the developed world: trust. The developed world has customs and institutions like enforceable contracts, an impartial legal system, credible regulatory bodies, and unofficial but respected sources like Consumer Reports that have created a high level of what the author calls "ambient trust." This is not the case in the developing world. But rather than become casualties of mistrust, the author shows that smart entrepreneurs can weave their own independent web of trust-with employees, partners, clients, customers and society as a whole. Using international examples, he shows how to build on existing customs and practices instead of trying to push against them. He highlights the role new technologies can play (but cautions that these are not panaceas) and explains how entrepreneurs can find dependable partners in national and local governments.