Chapter 416 Outrageous! 300,000 Dollars for 30% of Microsoft's Original Shares?
Lin Haoran naturally knew that the resources and influence of these tycoons would be crucial for his future business development, so he patiently interacted with each one, exchanging views and insights to deepen their relationships.
His humble attitude and sincere smile won widespread praise and goodwill among those present.
As the banquet ended, Bill Gates quickly caught up to Lin Haoran, expressing his gratitude: "Mr. Lin, I truly owe you tonight. Thanks to your introduction, I had the chance to present Microsoft's strengths to Mr. Wang An. I, Bill Gates, will never forget this kindness."
Lin Haoran smiled and waved it off. "Bill, it's really nothing. If it helped you, I'm happy. But speaking of gratitude, I actually have an idea. I wonder if you're willing to hear it?"
Bill Gates immediately sensed that Lin Haoran's next words would be significant and nodded eagerly. "Please, Mr. Lin, I'm all ears."
However, Lin Haoran didn't speak immediately. The banquet hall at Citibank headquarters was bustling and noisy, not a good place for a private conversation.
Glancing at the time — only 8:30 p.m. — Lin Haoran suggested, "There's a 24-hour coffee shop across the street. Let's go there and talk properly."
"Of course! It would be an honor to have a private chat with you, Mr. Lin," Bill Gates agreed without hesitation.
The two of them, along with Lin's bodyguards Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, crossed the street and entered the coffee shop.
Other secret guards were scattered around nearby, some blending in as ordinary customers.
Although they weren't fluent in English, their training had taught them basic phrases like "how much" and "a cup of," so communication wouldn't be an issue.
They booked a private room.
Li Weidong and Li Weiguo stood guard at the door.
Inside, they each ordered a coffee.
Bill Gates looked at Lin Haoran with curiosity, eagerly waiting to hear his intentions.
Lin Haoran smiled and said slowly, "Although I didn't know you before tonight, after our brief interaction, I'm very optimistic about Microsoft's future — and even more so about you personally.
I think if I can somehow get involved with Microsoft's growth, it could bring great benefits to both of us."
Bill Gates was overjoyed but kept his expression calm and cautious.
"Mr. Lin, do you mean..."
Lin Haoran smiled slightly and said directly, "I want to invest in Microsoft and become one of your shareholders.
I believe that with Microsoft's growth speed and potential, my investment will see very handsome returns."
Bill Gates was elated but maintained a professional demeanor.
Tonight's outcome had far exceeded his expectations.
Not only had he crashed the Citibank gala, met influential figures like Wang An, but now, he had drawn the interest of a rising superstar investor like Lin Haoran.
"How much equity would you like?" Bill Gates asked carefully.
Lin Haoran smiled, "How much can you offer?"
Bill Gates thought for a moment and said, "Microsoft was co-founded by me and Paul Allen.
We each currently own 50%. If you invest, I can convince Paul to jointly release up to 30% of the shares for you."
Saying it out loud, Bill Gates made up his mind firmly.
He valued not just Lin Haoran's capital, but also his network.
Just tonight alone, Gates had seen Lin Haoran chatting comfortably with the heads of Citibank and other major corporations.
Microsoft might have secured an IBM deal, but that was only the beginning — and IBM had countless partners, not just Microsoft.
For Gates, partnering with Lin Haoran meant capital, credibility, and connections.
In his mind, giving away 30% of the company to secure Lin Haoran's backing was a massive win.
Lin Haoran nodded with satisfaction.
"30% is more than generous. Now, how much investment are you looking for?"
He had been prepared to accept even 10% ownership — so hearing 30% was far beyond his expectations.
For the funding amount, Lin Haoran was ready to be flexible.
Even a few hundred thousand dollars would be fine for such a large share, given Microsoft's immense future.
Bill Gates saw Lin Haoran's satisfied expression and felt relieved.
He decided to be direct.
"Mr. Lin, in fact, a few months ago, we almost secured a round of investment, but it fell through because the investors wanted management rights.
At Microsoft, Paul and I insist on maintaining full operational control.
We are currently expanding fast. Even though we have the IBM contract, we need more funds to support R&D, marketing, and team expansion."
Gates paused, then said carefully,
"Considering Microsoft's current valuation and future potential, I think a fair amount would be... around 300,000 dollars.
Of course, I hope Mr. Lin won't interfere too much in company management."
After saying it, Gates nervously watched Lin Haoran's reaction.
He knew 300,000 dollars might seem small to a billionaire.
But to Microsoft right now, it was a very significant amount.
Just a few months ago, buying the QDOS operating system had cost them nearly 60,000 dollars — already a major expense.
Even though Microsoft's BASIC language was gaining recognition, the actual profits were modest due to rampant freeware competitors.
The IBM contract itself only paid 80,000 dollars.
Thus, for Microsoft, raising 300,000 dollars now would be a huge boost.
Upon hearing the price, Lin Haoran froze.
"300,000 dollars?" Lin Haoran repeated in disbelief, wondering if he had heard wrong.
Not 3 million, not 30 million — just 300,000?
It was astonishing.
"Mr. Lin, is it too high?" Bill Gates asked cautiously.
He worried that Lin Haoran might find the valuation excessive.
In truth, Gates had deliberately kept the price low because he genuinely wanted to secure Lin Haoran's support.
At present, Microsoft was still a tiny, unprofitable company.
Despite winning the IBM contract, it remained fragile, with no guarantees for the future.
Thus, Gates hadn't dared to demand a high valuation.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1