Santa Clara, California, USA.
McAfee (Antivirus) Company.
"Hi, Dr. Schinkel, I didn't expect to see you here."
As soon as Kyle entered McAfee's conference room, he met an old acquaintance among the shareholder representatives.
— Schinkel Mendes!
Male, 42 years old, graduated from Stanford University with a Ph.D. in Theoretical Computer Science and a Master's in Financial Market Management. He previously worked at Apple, IBM, and Citigroup Investment Bank. He joined Microsoft in 1996 and currently serves as the head of the Microsoft MSN project team, making him one of Microsoft's senior vice presidents at headquarters.
A bona fide high-level Microsoft executive!
"Hi, Kyle."
Schinkel was initially surprised to see Kyle, then shook his hand and said, "Mr. Page, it's been almost a year since we last met at ICQ. I didn't expect you to personally attend this McAfee Series B funding vote meeting."
"Why wouldn't I come in person?" Kyle smiled.
Schinkel laughed heartily, "For someone with a net worth of tens of billions, I thought you wouldn't care about McAfee's share expansion meeting."
Kyle shook his head and said, "I put money into it, after all."
"It's just McAfee, why bother you to grace us with your presence?" Schinkel said again.
Kyle waved his hand, "Stop flattering me. My wealth is only one-tenth of your boss, Bill Gates. I'm not a rich man."
The two chatted cordially?
In reality... it was all nonsense!
Schinkel was currently testing Kyle, as Microsoft wanted to take over McAfee's controlling stake.
"Damn it, why did this guy come in person? This might complicate things~" Schinkel narrowed his eyes.
At this moment, Kyle was also quite annoyed.
"Damn it, why is Microsoft everywhere?" Kyle cursed under his breath.
Microsoft, ah~
In the late 90s in America, Microsoft was a behemoth, a colossal entity!
Aside from its dominant position in computer operating system software, its tentacles extended wildly into various industries in America. Especially in the internet sector, Microsoft cast a wide net, using its massive cash flow to seize every available resource, with a huge appetite to become the overlord of the entire internet realm!
As time passed, various shareholder representatives arrived one after another... Kyle was undoubtedly the wealthiest person present;
However, the others were no ordinary people either. Besides being billionaires themselves, many held high positions in large corporations.
"Is that Kyle Page?"
"Yes, that's him!"
"My God, he's so young. Although I knew from the media that he's America's youngest billionaire, seeing him in person still gives me a sense of unreality."
"Haha, Mad. Don't just say you, even I feel like I've wasted decades of my life."
"I have to say, his vision is good enough."
"Yes, Kyle Page invested in McAfee as early as late August 1997. At that time, McAfee was just a junior in the antivirus industry. Who knew it would be so strong now?!"
"Damn it, why didn't I keep an eye on McAfee so early?"
The shareholders and shareholder representatives present, looking at the excessively young Kyle, couldn't help but engage in quiet discussions.
Envy, jealousy, anger, pride... various emotions were constantly reflected in each person.
Of course, there were also those who wanted to befriend Kyle.
Having one more friend means one more path, not just an Eastern proverb.
Soon after, McAfee Chairman and CEO George Samenuk arrived.
The third vote meeting for the Series B share expansion officially began.
"Gentlemen, as of now, over the past two months, as many as 17 companies, individuals, investment banks, and funds have successively expressed their urgent desire to invest in our McAfee company."
"To this end, over the past half-month, we have also held two rounds of voting meetings, and this time is the third and final vote. I hope everyone will consider it carefully."
"Approve, or oppose?"
"The decision is in your hands!"
As George Samenuk's words fell, the shareholders present immediately began to discuss again.
Approving the share expansion would obviously secure a considerable cash flow for McAfee, allowing the company to develop further;
Opposing the share expansion was the idea of most shareholders!
They firmly believed that McAfee should now proceed steadily, planning new antivirus software and systems, rather than blindly expanding the market;
George Samenuk said, "I'll state my position first: I do not agree to expand shares for funding at this time!"
Immediately, several shareholders and shareholder representatives nodded in agreement.
"I object!"
Just then, a shareholder named Sphinx, holding 5.1% of the shares, stood up.
"Everyone, the internet market is so good right now, and McAfee's stock price is rising steadily. It's the perfect time to expand our scale. How can we miss this opportunity?" Sphinx said loudly.
"Nonsense~"
A hot-tempered shareholder immediately roared, "Sphinx, don't think I don't know your little game. What do you want to do? You're just Microsoft's lackey, are you taking us for fools?!"
Another shareholder echoed, "Microsoft wants control of McAfee. Why beat around the bush so much?"
"Rude!" Sphinx's face was very grim.
Everyone at McAfee knew full well that Microsoft wanted to take over.
Many people cursed Sphinx endlessly, and of course, Schinkel, Microsoft's representative, also joined the fray.
The entire conference room was incredibly noisy.
At this moment, Kyle was stunned.
This was Kyle's first time attending a McAfee shareholders' meeting, and he never expected the internal conflicts of the board to be so intense. Well, they were out in the open, not hidden at all.
Sima Zhao's intent is known to all!
"Ahem~"
Chairman George Samenuk looked grim and shouted, "Everyone quiet down. Let's take a half-hour break, then we'll discuss again."
"Tsk tsk tsk~ How truly wonderful." Kyle was full of sarcasm.
It's all about profit!
In 1997, when Kyle first invested in McAfee, McAfee's total market value was less than 50 million US dollars.
But what about now?
— 300 million US dollars!
In just two years, McAfee stood out among antivirus software companies, with a valuation of 300 million US dollars.
Moreover, McAfee, having gained market recognition, was seen by many as having great potential for future growth.
A valuation of 1 billion US dollars is definitely not McAfee's limit!
Actually, Kyle wanted to say: "Are you kidding? As the future second largest antivirus software provider globally, McAfee's value cannot be measured by just 1 billion US dollars."
Microsoft is an entity that wants a hand in every industry; they naturally wouldn't let go of McAfee.
The other shareholders, including Chairman George Samenuk, naturally didn't want to sit by and watch Microsoft take control of McAfee.
Therefore, Kyle's current 15% stake became rather intriguing... During the break.
Chairman George Samenuk personally tried to win over Kyle.
"Mr. Page, you also wouldn't want Microsoft to dilute your shares, would you? Therefore, we are on the same side. We absolutely cannot expand shares at this stage and let Microsoft's plot succeed." George Samenuk said in a deep voice.
"What you said makes sense." Kyle nodded heavily.
Soon after.
Microsoft representative Schinkel also came to win over Kyle.
"Kyle, we are old friends. Give me a straight answer, what do you think about the share expansion?" Schinkel asked with a smile.
Kyle spread his hands and said blankly, "I have no opinion!"
Schinkel: "..."
Damn, is he playing dumb?
Schinkel said in a deep voice, "Kyle, stop joking with me."
Kyle chuckled, "Weren't you the one who joked with me first?"
In one sentence: without enough benefits, why should I fight for you?
Empty promises, trying to get something for nothing!
Dream on!
Don't forget, our classmate Kyle is someone who doesn't act without profit!
After a long pause.
Schinkel pondered, "Give me a few minutes, I'll call Mr. Gates."
Instantly, Kyle's expression softened, "You should have done that earlier. These days, without some benefits, why would anyone charge into battle for you?"