Reborn Capital Madman

In fact, Gao Xian's decision also had his own interests in mind.

Through specific contact with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley during this period, Gao Xian can clearly feel that the latter's work style is indeed ruthless, but also arrogant, while the former is much more humble.

Perhaps this has something to do with Goldman Sachs' situation.

In today's era, Goldman Sachs' competitors on Wall Street, such as Morgan Stanley, Salomon Brothers, etc., all have quite obvious advantages. For example, in terms of internationalization, they began to recover as early as the end of World War II.

Due to the closure of its business due to the war, Morgan Stanley is the official investment bank of the British government in North America, while Goldman Sachs is still struggling to find a way to break through the international dilemma.

In addition, Goldman Sachs also lost important customers such as Ford Motor Co. in the United States, where it worked hard.

Because Sidney Weinberg, the former leader of Goldman Sachs, had a close personal relationship with Henry Ford II, the head of Ford Motor Company, and was deeply trusted by him, so much so that it affected Ford Motor's internal financial strategy, making Ford Motor's Chief Financial Officer

Ed Lundy was furious.

As a result, after Sidney Weinberg passed away a few years ago, Ford's senior executives, who had already complained, couldn't wait to kick Goldman Sachs away - it was not impossible to want Ford's business, but they needed to participate

Competition, and the starting line for competition must be at the end.

In Gao Xian's view, when you come into contact with those who are proud of themselves on Wall Street, you will naturally be looked down upon from a high position. On the contrary, it is easy for breakouts like Goldman Sachs to find a situation where they can get along with each other on an equal footing.

In short, Gao Xian sold a favor to David Rockefeller and John Whitehead, and sold more than 5% of Azik Petroleum Company stock to Goldman Sachs.

This basically guarantees that Goldman Sachs will be in an invincible position in the anti-hostile takeover battle with Morgan Stanley. Being able to hold on means victory. As for the specific drama that follows, it has nothing to do with Gao Xian.

It’s related.

As a kind of social courtesy, Gao Xian invited John Whitehead, John Weinberg and other important figures from Goldman Sachs back to the party, and talked about his experience in business internationalization at the party.

Gao Xian specially introduced some achievements that Goldman Sachs envied. Because Xiangjiang has been a British colony for a long time, his subordinates in Xiangjiang are very familiar with the British way of doing things, and they can deal with each other quite smoothly. Therefore, in the Financial Street of London

The business performance is quite impressive.

Such exchanges can be regarded as paving the way for possible cooperation in the privatization of British state-owned companies in a few years.

…

When Gao Xian flew from New York on the east coast of the United States to Los Angeles on the west coast of the United States for a short rest and prepared to return to Hong Kong later, a little man came to visit.

This man's name is Mike Markkula. He previously worked in Intel's marketing department. Because he failed to compete for a senior executive position, he simply resigned. He relied on the millions of dollars in wealth earned from Intel stocks to live a life of a carefree rich man.

Occasionally I also engage in investment, and this time I came here just to talk about things in this field.

Gao Xian did not neglect Mike Markkula just because he was a small person. He still treated him hospitably with the enthusiasm of an old friend and took the initiative to ask him why he came.

Mike Markkula said: "Some time ago, Don Valentine, the boss of Sequoia Capital who is a venture capital investor in Silicon Valley, recommended a personal computer startup project to me, but after reading it, I was a little hesitant, so

I came here specifically to Sir Gao for advice."

Hearing this, Gao Xian was moved in his heart and joked: "Is it that kind of personal computer? It's much worse than my personal computer, so you don't have enough confidence."

Mike Markkula also laughed, "Huanyu Electronics' personal computer is definitely the most successful product at this stage, but the personal computer I saw is completely different from the system architecture of Huanyu Personal Computer, and from a technical perspective, Lingqi

Perfect.”

"However, the two young people who developed this kind of personal computer are typical counterculture people. They are so unique that I feel very unsure."

Gao Xian, who roughly guessed the reason in his mind, raised his eyebrows and said: "So, you want me to use my existing experience to evaluate this kind of personal computer to see if it is worth your investment?"

Mike Markkula nodded in relief, "That's what it means!"

Gao Xian pondered: "Then did you bring this kind of personal computer?"

Mike Markkula replied with some embarrassment: "I wasn't sure whether Sir Gao had time before I came, so I didn't bring samples. However, now I can ask those two young people to come from Silicon Valley with their personal computers. In the afternoon

You can see it.”

Gao Xian thought for a while and said, "In this case, I also want to go to Silicon Valley to check out the latest developments, so there is no need for the two young people to rush over. Let's go see it on site."

Mike Markkula naturally had no reason to refuse, so he got on the plane with Gao Xian and chatted about the recent anecdotes of Silicon Valley venture capital on the way.

The current stage of Silicon Valley venture capital is actually the leftovers that Wall Street looks down upon, leaving it to outsiders like Arthur Locke, Don Valentine, and Mike Markkula. Anyway, if the venture capital is really successful,

, it also needs to be listed on Wall Street and then come under the control of Wall Street forces.

As expected, Gao Xian's Mercedes-Benz motorcade was led to a garage by Mike Markkula, and he also met the inventors of Apple Computer, Steve Jobs and Wozniak.

As Mike Markkula said before, Jobs and Wozniak are full of counterculture youth images. The former has long hair and the latter has a big beard. Jobs, in particular, is slovenly. I don’t know how long they have been together.

After taking a shower, there was a strange smell that made Gao Xian frown. He waved his hand and asked them to stand far away and just look at the Apple computer.

Objectively speaking, although the Apple computer in front of us is crude, it has already taken shape and is much better than other so-called personal computers that appear in the form of circuit boards.

Of course, in terms of product perfection and user-friendly experience, Apple computers at this time are definitely not comparable to Universal PCs, but they are indeed enough to enter the promising personal computer market and seek development.

Gao Xian is not naive enough to believe that he can dominate the personal computer market by simply crushing the Apple computer in front of him. That will only make the situation confusing and difficult to control, and he has other plans.

Therefore, Gao Xian gave a pertinent on-site evaluation, "From a creative perspective, this kind of personal computer still has great potential."

Jobs, who was standing far away, heard a few words, dragged his sandals, came over and said: "Some time ago, a company called Kangmaoda came to inspect and offered one million US dollars to buy our company completely.

We don’t even sell Apple computers…”

"He is really an ignorant and fearless boy. He even has the nerve to show off this ridiculous trick of raising prices in front of himself." Gao Xian snorted disdainfully, and because he couldn't stand Jobs' strong body odor, he turned around and returned to the car.

.

Seeing this scene, Wozniak sighed pessimistically.

Mike Markkula, who followed Gao Xian into the car, asked eagerly: "Sir Gao, you mean, this project is worth my investment?"

Gao Xian nodded, "I think if Apple Computer operates properly, the market prospects are quite promising. However, Mike, the premise is that you need to be an angel investor."

Mike Markkula smiled and said: "Being an angel investor is not difficult for me. Anyway, I have plenty of personal time and can guide Jobs and Wozniak at any time."

Gao Xian shook his head gently and said, "Mike, you are oversimplifying what I said about angel investors. In addition to always providing guidance and helping in every aspect, you also need to shape the image of Apple Computer Company."

At this point, Gao Xian pointed to Jobs and Wozniak outside the car, "Look at their virtues. Not only do they wear suits and leather shoes at the very least, they don't even take a shower. It's really blowing my mind."

Ren Pain, just imagine how this kind of image of Apple Computer can win the trust of investors in financing activities."

"The counterculture of these two young people is what makes me feel unsure." Mike Markkula said depressingly: "Especially Jobs, who claims to be practicing spiritual practice, mainly eats fruits, and washes his hands every week.

One bath is enough."

"However, I think that maybe these problems are not that serious. After all, many highly skilled hackers are also counterculture members, and they are popular here in Silicon Valley. Take the boss of Atari, which makes video game consoles.

For Nolan Bushnell, his business achievements are remarkable."

Gao Xian nodded slightly, "So, I say, you need to be an angel investor, a special angel investor. Being a father and mother taught Steve Jobs and Wozniak how to get used to wearing suits and leather shoes.

Learning to write a business plan is the minimum requirement for dealing with investors."

Mike Markkula sighed, "I can understand more and more what Don Valentine meant when he introduced this project to me."

Seeing Mike Markkula worrying about gains and losses, Gao Xian was amused, "What is the current situation of Apple Computer Company?"

Mike Markkula introduced it easily: "Now Apple Computer is a partnership opened by Jobs and Wozniak. It has no funds at all. There was originally a partner before, but because of worries about joint liability for debts,

Then he quit."

"My plan is that if this Apple Computer company is worth investing in, I will restructure it into a joint-stock company, invest the US$250,000 in cash on hand, and then go to the bank for a loan to make up one million US dollars.

, use it as start-up capital, build a factory, mass-produce products, set up departments, launch marketing, in short, just operate it like a regular company."

Gao Xian thought for a while, and then offered to help: "Mike, if you feel that there is financial pressure, I can ask the Howard Hughes Foundation to provide half a million dollars, but the premise is that you must do a good job for me.

The described angel investor fully trained Steve Jobs and Wozniak, and served as chairman of the board of directors of Apple Computer Company to ensure that Apple Computer Company operates in compliance with regulations."

At this point, Gao Xian patted Mike Markkula on the shoulder and said sincerely: "Although I have my own personal computer product, this market is still in its infancy, and the prospects and capacity are unlimited.

What are your preconceptions about Apple computers?”

"Furthermore, if latecomers like Apple Computer can succeed, then the personal computer assets I have on hand will definitely rise with reference, and maybe it can provide other operational opportunities."

Mike Markkula quickly expressed his position: "Of course I will not doubt Sir Gao's magnanimity, otherwise, I would not consult Sir Gao specifically. Sir Gao asked the Howard Hughes Foundation to help me raise funds to start the project.

The funding is even more thoughtful and I couldn’t ask for more.”

Looking at Jobs and Wozniak who were peeping outside the car, Gao Xian said leisurely: "Perhaps these two young people from the counterculture, after some packaging and a grassroots entrepreneurial persona, will become Apple

What’s unique and attractive about computer companies?”

"After all, capital needs to be able to tell stories, and the public also loves the story of grassroots rise."

"Create a grassroots entrepreneurial personality?" Mike Markkula asked with some uncertainty: "Is it like a packaging star?"

"Yes, that's what I mean." Gao Xian nodded, "You don't have to worry too much about the accident of the entertainment industry's personality collapsing. The business world's personality I am talking about is much more stable, and as long as it is valuable, others will also

Will help with maintenance.”

What Gao Xian said is of course not a random move, but a successful experience to follow.

Take Steve Jobs, who became famous in the "old script". Even though he has never been to China, it does not prevent people there from worshiping him and his products. The secret lies in the fact that people who control resources are driven by profit.

I'm willing to cooperate in building momentum.

Mike Markkula pondered: "Wozniak is obsessed with technology and listens to Jobs's ideas on many things, and Jobs also has the potential to become Apple Computer's business card."

Looking at Jobs outside the car window, Gao Xian said in agreement: "You are right, this Jobs seems to have a very impressive acting talent. It depends on how you, the godfather, train him."

At this point, Gao Xian suddenly felt something and said, "Mike, human energy is limited after all. Sometimes, just making an investment is enough to create a good story in the business world and become a part of history."

Mike Markkula seemed to have some understanding, and after a while he said: "I will form Apple Computer Corporation as soon as possible, and try to make another report before Sir Gao leaves Silicon Valley."

Gao Xian smiled and nodded. Seeing that Jobs finally couldn't help but come over, he pulled down the window and said lightly: "You guys, if you always smell like this, you will definitely be rejected by more investors."

,like me!"

Jobs immediately stopped, his face flushed, and he glared at Gao Xian angrily like a golden lion king.