Chapter 418 Bargain of the Century! 300,000 Dollars for 30% of Microsoft
Today was Sunday. The stock market was closed, and Universal Investment Company was taking its usual day off.
With no plans for the morning, Lin Haoran decided to enjoy a peaceful start to the day on the hotel balcony, holding an economics book and immersing himself in his own world.
Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, warming the winter morning.
Lin Haoran leisurely flipped through the pages, occasionally looking up at the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of New York, savoring this rare moment of tranquility.
Just then, the telephone in his room suddenly rang, breaking the peaceful atmosphere.
Hearing the phone, Lin Haoran instinctively thought it must be Bill Gates calling.
After all, very few people had this hotel's private number — most contacts had his Universal Investment Company office line instead.
Last night, after their meeting at the coffee shop, Lin Haoran had given his direct line to Bill Gates in case he needed to make contact.
Eager about his investment in Microsoft, Lin Haoran put down his book, walked over, and picked up the receiver.
Bill Gates' familiar voice came through:
"Mr. Lin, sorry to bother you. This is Bill. I have some good news to share!"
Lin Haoran smiled, guessing it must be about the Microsoft investment progress.
He replied, "Oh? Bill, what's the good news? Has there been progress with the financing?"
Bill Gates laughed over the line.
"Mr. Lin, you're truly a prophet! Last night, I successfully convinced Paul Allen. He's very supportive of your investment.
Paul is flying in from Seattle this morning. He should arrive around noon.
Would you have time to meet us at 2 p.m. to sign the investment agreement?"
Lin Haoran smiled with satisfaction.
He had expected Bill Gates could persuade Paul Allen, but hearing it confirmed brought real joy.
"Of course. Two o'clock sounds perfect. Come to Universal Investment Company's office — we'll complete everything there," Lin Haoran said, giving Gates the full address carefully.
Bill Gates responded with enthusiasm,
"Great, Mr. Lin! I'll be there on time. Thank you again for your trust and support. This investment will really help Microsoft — we won't let you down."
For Microsoft, $300,000 was a massive boost.
They could use the money for marketing and critical development projects.
After all, compared to Apple — founded the same year — Microsoft lagged far behind.
It was still virtually unknown.
Lin Haoran smiled, replying warmly,
"I believe in your ability and potential. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made this decision. See you at two, Bill — looking forward to a brilliant future together."
After hanging up, Lin Haoran's mood was exceptionally light.
After all, this was Microsoft — future software giant of the world.
In the world he came from, Microsoft had long dominated the software industry:
Windows, Office, Azure — products that touched every corner of modern life.
Today, in 1980, Microsoft was still obscure, barely recognized even within the tech industry.
Thus, being able to invest now — and for such a low price — felt almost unbelievable.
In Lin Haoran's memory, Microsoft's valuation by 1999 would exceed 600 billion dollars.
By 2024, it would surpass 3 trillion dollars — rivaling Apple.
Even accounting for future share dilutions from multiple rounds of financing and stock issuance, even if Lin Haoran's holdings fell to 10%, the value would still be astronomical.
Assuming only 10% remained, and Microsoft's future market cap reached 600 billion dollars,
his stake would still be worth 60 billion dollars.
A 300,000 dollar investment turning into 60 billion — a 200,000 times return!
In less than 20 years.
A terrifying, mind-boggling return on investment.
And that wasn't even counting the possibility of maintaining his full 30% ownership through future investment rounds.
Of course, all that was still far off.
Microsoft wasn't expected to go public until 1986 — still several years away.
But once the investment agreement was signed, Lin Haoran wouldn't need to worry about Microsoft for now.
Just $300,000 — a bargain beyond his wildest dreams!
Walking back to the balcony, Lin Haoran stood under the warm sunlight, breathing deeply.
Even the air seemed filled with the scent of luck.
Investing in Microsoft had been a complete surprise.
If not for Walter Wriston's invitation to the Citibank gala, he might never have encountered Bill Gates so early.
At the gala, he not only met the legendary Wang An but also, by pure chance, encountered Bill Gates and forged this investment deal.
Had it not happened, Lin Haoran would have likely waited until Microsoft's IPO to invest.
But by then, while profits were still possible, the best returns would have already been missed.
At IPO, Microsoft's market cap would be about 670 million dollars —
already many times stronger than the tiny startup it was now.
Thus, this early investment deal was a colossal success —
even greater than his original investment in Apple.
After all, he had invested 10 million dollars into Apple.
But for Microsoft? Only 300,000 dollars.
No comparison.
Time passed quickly.
After lunch, Lin Haoran called Su Zhixue to arrange for a reputable New York law firm to assist with drafting and witnessing the Microsoft investment agreement.
By 1 p.m., Lin Haoran was already at the Universal Investment Company office.
Su Zhixue soon arrived with a white lawyer from a prestigious firm.
Lin Haoran explained the investment terms and conditions for the Microsoft deal, and the lawyer began drafting the preliminary contract.
Though Su Zhixue was puzzled why the boss wanted to invest in such a seemingly insignificant company, he asked no questions.
After all, his job was to assist, not to second-guess.
Soon after, Bill Gates arrived — accompanied by another young man.
That could only be Paul Allen.
Bill was 25 years old. Paul Allen, slightly older, was just 27.
When the two entered, Lin Haoran stood up warmly to greet them.
"Bill, welcome. And you must be Mr. Paul Allen?
Young and talented — I have great faith in you and in Microsoft.
I'm very happy we can work together."
Bill Gates and Paul Allen quickly shook Lin Haoran's hand with great respect.
They were nowhere near Lin Haoran's level yet,
but they could sense that this partnership could change their destiny.
Bill Gates said sincerely,
"Mr. Lin, it's an honor to cooperate with you."
Paul Allen echoed,
"Yes, Mr. Lin. Gaining your investment is our fortune.
I've brought all of Microsoft's necessary documents to assist with today's contract signing."
Lin Haoran laughed heartily,
"Good! Let's not stand on ceremony. Let's sit down and look over the contract first."
They moved to the lounge area, and Su Zhixue handed over the draft agreements.
Lin Haoran, Bill Gates, and Paul Allen sat down to read carefully.
The contract was straightforward: it outlined Lin Haoran's investment amount, his 30% stake, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
They discussed and adjusted minor points along the way.
After finalizing the terms, Su Zhixue printed three copies of the final contract.
Lin Haoran signed first, carefully penning his name.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen followed, signing solemnly.
Finally, the lawyer added his signature and the firm's official seal, giving the contract full legal effect.
Looking at the completed contract, Lin Haoran's face lit up with satisfaction.
From today onward, he was officially Microsoft's third-largest shareholder — behind only Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
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