[Chapter 517: Investing in ICQ, New Target: Amazon]
After leaving Starstone Aviation, Linton and Winnie returned to the office.
As soon as they walked in, Winnie threw herself into Linton's arms and kissed him warmly. "Darling, I missed you so much."
"Then why didn't you come to the estate yesterday?" he asked.
"There were too many people at the estate, and there were three women already pregnant. I didn't want to join that crowd. I just wanted to be alone with you -- it's so much better that way."
"Then let's not waste any time."
...
After an intensely passionate session, Winnie lay softly against Linton's chest. "Darling, it feels so good to be with you."
"Oh, baby... By the way, I met with Bill Gates not long ago. He agreed to give me two non-executive board seats -- just the money, no work involved -- with a healthy salary of a million dollars a year. I thought about it, and I want you and my aunt to take one each. Get in touch with Microsoft quickly and send them your info."
"That's amazing, darling. Thank you... Muah..."
"So, how are the investments going?"
"We've been quietly buying shares over the past while -- over 30 telecommunications and computer stocks we researched earlier. Altogether, we've bought more than five billion dollars worth. But with such a huge amount, converting everything into stock will take two to three months to complete."
"There is no rush. We have all the time we need."
"All right. The new investment team is already set up and has started screening companies in other industries. The first list of recommended investments should be ready within two months."
"Good. We're gradually moving into other sectors too. When the list is ready, show it to me."
"Will do. Oh, and I have some good news for you."
"Oh? What's the good news?"
"You mentioned earlier that the third key internet investment to watch is a project enabling users to communicate peer-to-peer online. It finally appeared recently -- and they came looking for investment."
"Oh, tell me more."
...
It turned out to be an Israeli startup called Mirabilis, founded by three young men -- Arik Vardi, Yair Goldfinger, and Sefi Vigiser -- who had just finished military service at the beginning of the year. They agreed to launch a business together.
After investigating, they found that email inboxes were often clogged with irrelevant messages, burying important ones without timely feedback. So the three locked themselves in a room for nearly three months and developed an internet instant messaging software called ICQ.
The software supported online chatting, messaging, and file transfers, pioneering instant online communication.
They then formed Mirabilis to promote and operate the product but quickly realized marketing required huge capital, far beyond their means.
With no choice, they took the software on the road seeking investors but, because their product was so different from mainstream internet applications, no investors were interested.
Failing to find backing in Israel, they traveled to America. After several setbacks in Silicon Valley, they ended up at Mangrove Capital and finally came to Winnie.
...
"I remembered what you said about that third important field to focus on in internet investments. Plus, the investment amount wasn't large, so I approved it."
"Not large? How much?"
"Two million dollars for 40% equity."
"Not bad. That field definitely has huge potential. Think about it: this software supports free online chatting, messaging, and file transfers. Everyone should want that, right?"
"Is that so? But don't we have phones and cellphones? Why would people still use it?"
"Because you can afford to pay high monthly bills without worry, but most ordinary people want their communication costs as low as possible -- free if they can get it. So this software fits the expectations of the vast majority."
"Now that you put it that way, it really does seem promising."
"Exactly. Most people are just regular folks looking after their wallets. From that angle, this software has to be a product everyone needs -- and will use frequently."
"Sounds good. I want to assign someone to closely track and guide them -- preferably put an executive board member there."
"That's fine, just make sure our people focus on the finances and hitting performance goals. Don't interfere too much with their operations."
"Got it. Hope this turns out to be a great deal."
"Darling, also, the internet is developing so fast. According to recent federal data, there are already over 30 million internet users in the U.S. With so many users, applications will flourish and diversify. Focus especially on one area."
"Which area?"
"Online shopping. I think it's got enormous potential."
"Online shopping? I think there's already a company called Amazon selling books online."
"Yes, but I think it's not in Silicon Valley -- it's based in Seattle."
"Let's look up that company online."
"Now? Really?"
"Yep." Linton scooped Winnie up in a princess carry, carrying her to the computer desk. He booted up the computer and dialed into the internet.
...
Winnie quickly opened Netscape Navigator, went to Yahoo, and typed in "online shopping." Within moments, a dozen or so results popped up, mostly discussions and news about online shopping. Among them was a listing introducing Amazon, complete with a website link.
Clicking the link, they were taken to Amazon's website.
The layout was simple and functional, with just one main feature: selling books. It had categorized book listings, bestseller charts, and a keyword search function.
Linton tried purchasing a book through the site and found the experience quite decent. However, there was one serious limitation: no online payment yet. The only payment method was cash on delivery, collected by a courier at the customer's door.
Seeing the familiar web address and recognizing Jeff Bezos as the founder, Linton knew this was the early stage of what would become the world-renowned Amazon.
Since he had already noticed them, there was no way he would let the opportunity slip by.
"Darling, with internet popularity soaring, online shopping has huge potential ahead. I want you to focus on this company and find a way to participate in their financing round. The more shares we can get, the better."
"Got it. I'll make it a priority."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.