noveltune Chapter 128 Investing in NeXT, Hello Steve Jobs
Chapter 128 Investing in NeXT, Hello Steve Jobs
Chapter 128 Investing in NeXT, Hello Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs held an extremely optimistic view of Gamenova, the gaming giant that emerged from the ruins of the video game industry.
Many times, he even felt that Lin Lixin was the kindred spirit he had been searching for.
His business philosophy is exactly the same as mine.
A team that prioritizes quality, pursues innovation, and is comprised of elites.
"Mr. Lin, I believe that the first ten employees of a startup company determine the level of the company."
Looking at the three leading figures from different fields before him, Jobs exclaimed sincerely, "Gamenova really has a wealth of talent."
Lin Lixin smiled faintly.
From a timeline perspective, Steve Jobs was experiencing a very awkward low point in his career during this period.
Although Apple's rapid growth after its IPO brought him huge profits, it also caused him to lose control.
As a result, he has now been completely excluded from the core circle.
He longed to prove to the world that Apple couldn't function without him, that he was the one who made Apple what it is today.
Thus, NeXT was born.
Steve Jobs invested $700 million in it, and the company's business was very simple, just like Apple, it was still making computers.
This time, however, he chose workstations focused on higher education and business markets, rather than Apple's home-use models.
Having learned from Apple's mistakes, Steve Jobs now values control above all else.
A direct acquisition is simply impossible.
Ultimately, it was NeXT that was short of money, not Jobs himself.
If it weren't for the desire to prove himself, the profits Apple brought him after its IPO would have been enough for Steve Jobs to enjoy his retirement.
But Lin Lixin knew very well that NeXT's fate would probably not be as Jobs had hoped, creating another miracle.
TheCube, the workstation he had high hopes for, suffered a severe setback in sales, selling only about 400 units per month.
The losses in hardware continued until 93, when it was officially terminated.
However, on the software side, NeXT partnered with Sun to jointly develop a software called OpenSteel.
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The specifications and the NeXTSTEP system.
These two individuals are the cornerstones of modern macOS and iOS.
This was also a major factor in Steve Jobs' return to Apple.
It is no exaggeration to say that although NeXT failed, without NeXT, there would be no subsequent glory for Sun and Apple.
Now, Lin Lixin has an opportunity to interfere in this matter.
"Mr. Steve Jobs, I heard you've been looking for venture capital firms lately?"
Lin Lixin didn't waste any time and went straight to the point, stating the purpose of his trip: "Aren't you worried about losing control like Apple did?"
"Of course I was worried, but my time at Apple taught me a lot."
Jobs made no attempt to hide his feelings, treating Lin Lixin as an insider: "Although I am quite wealthy, long-term large-scale research and development, manufacturing, and marketing all require money."
"What's the point of me holding onto this meaningless control if I can't even develop a product?"
Lin Lixin revealed a knowing look.
It seems that NeXT's operations are in a really terrible state.
"Mr. Steve Jobs, instead of involving people in the financial world, don't you think it would be better to have your friends help?"
"I can't say what the future holds for NeXT, but based on you alone, based on the name 'Steve Jobs,' I'd say twenty million."
"Twenty million US dollars in exchange for a 16% stake in NeXT, and of course, a seat on the board of directors."
Upon hearing this, Jobs was taken aback.
Based on this quote, Lin Lixin's valuation of NeXT has exceeded one hundred million US dollars.
Although I had just told him a lot about NeXT's grand vision for the future, those things ultimately remained on paper.
Something that's not even close to being established.
To put it bluntly, it's all just empty promises.
Let alone those even more unbelievable cutting-edge technologies, even the complete PC system he mentioned is still nowhere to be seen.
Lin Lixin was willing to casually invest so much money in a shell company that venture capital firms would never even glance at.
Honestly, this offer is incredibly attractive.
"If I take this blood transfusion, I can truly let go and pursue the perfection I desire."
"as well as----"
Before he could answer, Lin Lixin continued, "Micro-Nova exchanged its general-purpose graphics accelerator card technology for 2% of the equity, and SGI exchanged its high-end workstation architecture technology for 2% of the equity in return."
If the previous price was Lin Lixin's way of thinking highly of himself, then this 4% equity stake is truly a windfall.
SGI, needless to say, is already a mature company specializing in high-end graphics workstations, and there's a lot they can offer in terms of architecture.
If a professional organization were to conduct a valuation, the technical support alone would be worth tens of millions of dollars.
MicroNova, on the other hand, is a heavyweight contender.
Although GAMENOVA's own graphics chip development company has not released any products to the consumer market, the technology they use in GAMENOVA's own products is so advanced that it makes everyone drool.
Jobs jumped up from the sofa and stretched out his hand.
"I'll have the lawyer draft the documents as soon as possible!"
Respect and trust are things he could never get at Apple.
This guy is a good match!
They get along so well!
Lin Lixin clasped his hand.
He already knew in his heart who had gotten the better deal.
"So, Mr. Steve Jobs, would you be willing to do a small favor for your friend?"
For Lin Lixin, a partner like Steve Jobs, who has absolute control over the company, is far better than those listed companies.
Simple, direct, and efficient.
There are no lengthy and tedious wrangling at the board meeting; you can speak directly with the person in charge.
The only problem might be that the risks of decision-making cannot be shared, which could easily lead to going astray.
"Any other plans for today?"
Vivian noticed that the car's route didn't seem to be heading towards the company, which puzzled her.
"NeXT is not enough; we also need a partner for the civilian market."
Lin Lixin looked out the window.
NeXT's true value lies in its software; its high-end workstations are not actually that much more valuable than SGI's.
To truly establish a set of rules, he needs to get more people on his bandwagon.
And there really is an entrepreneur here who is extremely controlling and has absolute control over the company, just like Steve Jobs.
An amazing man who is only 20 years old this year, but has already founded his own PC company and designed an excellent PC on his own.
A man who was soon named the youngest CEO in Fortune's Global 500.
Michael Dell, founder of Dell Inc.
His invention of a direct sales model that bypasses all intermediaries and sells PCs directly to customers via telephone and mail order provided Lin Lixin with a most direct promotion channel.