Chapter 402 Over 1.3 Billion Dollars
In Lin Haoran's memory from his previous life, Apple's IPO created four billionaires and around forty millionaires.
Obviously, the four billionaires were among the five people present now — Steve Jobs, Steve Gary Wozniak, Mike Markkula, and Rod Holt.
These four, whether founders or investors, all held significant shares.
When Apple's market value approached 1.8 billion dollars, these four naturally became billionaires.
As for the fifth person, Michael Scott, he didn't make it into the billionaire club.
Although he had served as Apple's first CEO, playing a vital role in building the company's early structure and achieving profitability, he didn't own much stock.
His main income was from his salary, which was even lower than what he had earned at National Semiconductor.
Of course, before the IPO, the company had rewarded him with a small number of shares — but not enough to make him a billionaire.
However, thanks to Lin Haoran's investment, his own returns would multiply many times over, making him Apple's fifth major shareholder with equity worth over 100 million dollars.
The only uncertainty now was how high Apple's stock price would rise tomorrow.
In Lin Haoran's view, it was impossible that the IPO would value the company lower than what he knew from history.
"It seems Mr. Lin is very confident about our IPO tomorrow," Steve Jobs said with a smile.
"Of course. I have great confidence in all of you — otherwise, I wouldn't have invested in you!" Lin Haoran replied with a hearty laugh.
"Let's hope Mr. Lin won't be disappointed in this investment," Steve Gary Wozniak added, also smiling.
After a few polite exchanges, Jobs introduced Lin Haoran to Mr. McLean, the chairman of NASDAQ.
"I know Mr. Lin. You're a very impressive businessman. I've even heard about your exploits in Hong Kong," McLean said warmly, shaking Lin Haoran's hand.
"Mr. McLean is someone I greatly admire too. Without you, NASDAQ would never have become one of the top three securities exchanges in America," Lin Haoran replied graciously.
Before coming here, Lin Haoran had researched a bit about NASDAQ.
After McLean became chairman, he pushed to modernize the exchange, promoting the use of computer screens for real-time pricing, which significantly increased trading volume and reduced broker fees.
At the time, many doubted the system because computers were still prone to errors and data loss.
Some even suggested delaying its adoption, believing traditional paper records were more reliable.
However, McLean firmly believed in seizing the opportunity.
He collaborated with Bunker-Ramo Corporation to develop an automated quotation system — the very foundation of what later became known as NASDAQ.
Thanks to support from Wall Street firms willing to participate as trial users, they not only accelerated NASDAQ's adoption but also solved many technical issues.
By leveraging its image as a technology-friendly exchange, NASDAQ quickly attracted numerous promising companies.
Even Intel had taken NASDAQ seriously, heavily investing their support.
Thus, a burgeoning tech-focused securities exchange — NASDAQ — was born.
During the 1960s and 70s, public enthusiasm for futuristic technology, fueled by the Apollo Program and Star Wars initiative, matched perfectly with NASDAQ's high-tech image.
Additionally, NASDAQ had a more relaxed policy regarding "one share, one vote," allowing founders to retain control even after their companies went public.
This was a key reason why Jobs and Apple's executives chose NASDAQ for their IPO — they valued NASDAQ's respect for innovation and founder control.
"To have your approval, Mr. Lin, is a great honor," McLean said sincerely.
Moreover, after looking into Lin Haoran's background, he realized that even by American standards, Lin was among the wealthiest elite.
Thus, McLean, despite being a leader at NASDAQ, was eager to build a good relationship with Lin Haoran.
From the conversation, Lin Haoran could tell that NASDAQ placed immense importance on Apple's IPO.
The main reason was that Apple's listing might break NASDAQ's all-time record for market value at launch.
If successful, it would greatly enhance NASDAQ's reputation.
After all, NASDAQ had only been founded in 1971 — barely a decade old — compared to the over-100-year histories of the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange.
To compete with these giants, NASDAQ desperately needed success stories like Apple.
Thus, Apple was one of the most influential and promising companies ever to choose NASDAQ for its IPO.
After chatting a while longer, McLean had to leave the meeting room for other business.
Seeing that they were free, Jobs turned to Lin Haoran and said,
"Since everything is ready for tomorrow's IPO, Mr. Lin, have you ever visited our New York office? If not, would you like to come take a look?"
"Of course!" Lin Haoran agreed immediately.
Though Lin Haoran wasn't an Apple executive or board member, owning 10% of the company meant he could join the board anytime if he wanted.
But Lin Haoran had deliberately chosen not to interfere too much with Apple's management.
He firmly believed that Apple's future success would depend on following its own historical trajectory.
Too much interference from him might disrupt that and cause great loss — a risk he wasn't willing to take.
He wasn't an expert in technology.
Even if he vaguely remembered future product ideas, he believed it was unnecessary and unwise to intervene.
Lin Haoran always regarded his stake in Apple as an investment, not a takeover.
Apple's rise would ultimately be thanks to the strong foundation built by Steve Jobs and the original team — not because of outside management.
If he seized control, it would be tantamount to erasing Jobs' legacy.
And given Jobs' character and ambition, he likely wouldn't stay if the company were bought out.
Apple's New York branch office was just a few hundred meters away from NASDAQ.
Crossing one street, the group soon stood before a thirty-story tower.
"Our New York office is on the 15th floor," Jobs pointed out.
Lin Haoran nodded, unconcerned with the details.
Soon, they arrived at the 15th floor.
"This is Mr. Miron Zok, the general manager of our New York branch. Mr. Lin is one of our major shareholders," Jobs introduced them.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lin. Apple owes its growth to the hard work of frontline colleagues like yourself," Lin Haoran said, shaking Miron Zok's hand warmly.
Clearly, Miron Zok was surprised by Lin Haoran's arrival but quickly composed himself.
As an Apple executive, he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with Lin Haoran's story.
"Mr. Lin, it's a pleasure to meet you. Even from New York, we've heard of your legendary achievements.
Your involvement has given Apple great confidence," Zok said sincerely.
Jobs chuckled and added, "Miron, Mr. Lin isn't just a major shareholder — he's our greatest pillar of support. His funding was crucial in making tomorrow's IPO possible."
"I only did what I believed was right. I believe in Apple's potential and in your hard work. We're all partners aiming to take Apple further," Lin Haoran replied modestly.
"Since you're here, let me brief you about tomorrow's listing," Jobs continued.
Lin Haoran nodded, ready to listen.
"Tomorrow, Apple plans to issue 4.6 million shares during the IPO.
Our total shares outstanding are 58.72 million.
The offering price will be 22 dollars per share.
Once fully subscribed, Apple's total market capitalization will exceed 1.3 billion dollars!" Jobs announced excitedly.
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