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墨書 Inktalez
Qi was blindly and eagerly sought after for profit points by the employees of America Online, who had become extremely arrogant due to the company's booming performance. Although they could still maintain user growth thanks to the solid foundation laid by Jiang Yizhou, they began to follow the historical path once again.
However, this was not what Jiang Yizhou needed to think about right now. How could a mediocre guy like me, who was just a coder in my past life, lead a company that would one day be worth hundreds of billions of dollars?
If it were a social company like Teng Xun or Fei Si Bu Ke, there would be a clear path to follow; the only thing to focus on would be users, centering around them, at least providing a general direction. But how could I steer a technology-driven company?
"Mr. Duer, I don’t think I’m particularly outstanding, or that I’m suited to be a manager! At Ailumese, I entrusted management tasks to others, just like Larry Page and Sergey do now!"
Still not quite accustomed to American social customs, Jiang Yizhou addressed unfamiliar people as Mr. or Ms., feeling that both seemed optimistic about him. In his haste, he could only deflect in this manner.
John Doe felt somewhat regretful. At least from his observations of this remarkable individual from China, if there were no particularly suitable candidates, Tony Jiang would be the most appropriate choice. In Silicon Valley or any capital-concentrated area, success is constantly pursued.
Why invest in someone? Because they succeeded last time!
Why is everyone eager to invest in someone? Because they have succeeded multiple times!
Especially when facing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship; if one cannot prove through various factual logics that a project indeed has value, then it comes down to the person.
Moritz confirmed that Jiang Yizhou had quietly invested in Google and placed significant bets, putting in even more effort than with Blogger and AdSense, which allowed him to confidently decide to invest in this company.
Otherwise, under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be until 1998 when Google occupied a significant share of the search engine market—like going from 0% to 0%—that they would attract attention.
Jiang Yizhou's consecutive successes had made it impossible for others to overlook his talents; dazzled by his achievements, they were willing to believe that with his involvement, the chances of success for any project would undoubtedly increase significantly.
It was much like the relationship between Hollywood stars and film companies.
“Tony, you really don't need to feel so insecure. Your past experience proves that you have the ability, and as for the hiring personnel, that's also your approach.
And the fact is that you can manage employees well, which is enough. Since you've put in so much effort, can't you continue to contribute a little more for Google?”
John Doe was quite puzzled, but seeing Jiang Yizhou's firm refusal, he didn't insist any further. “Alright, but you could also take on an advisory role at Google, since you are now the largest shareholder!”
At this point, Jiang Yizhou relaxed, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and quickly said, “Of course, as a member of the board, it's my duty to serve!”
John Doe left with disappointment alongside Bill Campbell. The gathering was still ongoing, and they certainly couldn't stay with Jiang Yizhou, who was rather withdrawn.
In the following time, he met some investors and entrepreneurs. Inevitably, he encountered a few ambiguous invitations, but mostly it was normal exchanges of information and efforts to secure investments.
“I’m planning to start a second venture. I find the DVD rental industry incredibly inconvenient, you know?” Hastings complained. “I rented a DVD from a rental store and ended up paying a $40 late fee just because I returned it late. It’s almost as bad as credit card companies with their money-making tactics!”
The profit model of American credit cards mainly involves charging users for overdrafts or late payments on installment plans.
“So I plan to open an Online DVD rental website on the Internet to solve this problem!” This man named Hastings made Jiang Yizhou see the entrepreneurial ideas of rapidly developing futures.
Online DVD rentals felt like it could compete with home nail services or pet care services. However, upon closer thought, in an era when the Online video industry had not yet emerged, there seemed to be some business opportunity.
Especially since copyright education in America is well-established and relevant laws are enforced effectively. Most importantly, people have money and can afford legitimate products, creating a market. Although it still seems that profitability might be limited—after all, isn’t it just moving offline business online?
“Mr. Hastings…”
"Just call me Reed, Tony!" Hastings smiled kindly at Jiang Yizhou. He was eager to secure some investment from this discerning and wealthy Chinese investor.
Although he had previously founded a software company that was acquired, making him a millionaire, he did not intend to invest all his money into this venture. Securing a round of investment was the more reasonable choice.
"Okay, Reed, I want to ask, what if Amazon also enters this business? Have you thought about that?" Jiang Yizhou pondered for a moment and recalled the looming presence of Amazon in the U.S. online shopping market. It was unlikely that Amazon would miss out on a business like DVD rentals, so he directly posed the question.
Amazon had successfully gone public and raised a substantial amount of capital, rapidly expanding its operational scope beyond just being the largest online bookstore.
Jiang Yizhou regretted missing out on Amazon's pre-IPO opportunities; at least Ailumeisi Venture Capital could have benefited from the last wave before the IPO. Unfortunately, it was of no use since he was still in a standoff with America Online at that time.
As for when Amazon would expand into the DVD rental business, he wasn't sure. However, he intended to use this question to unsettle this overly confident guy, oh, Reed.
Hastings suddenly looked deflated, like a wilted eggplant. The threat posed by Amazon, which was expanding rapidly and extending its reach, had indeed not been considered by him.
"I think... I think in the short term, Amazon definitely won't be able to spread into the DVD rental business. They are expanding too quickly, and their losses are quite serious. As a public company, they shouldn't continue to take risks!" Reed forcefully explained. "My online DVD rental business will establish enough advantages by the time Amazon reacts; no one can monopolize the market!"
Of course... they would continue to take risks. The next bond issuance by Amazon was already in preparation, and Jiang Yizhou's Ailumeisi Capital Company had taken on part of it as a cost for acquiring some shares of Amazon.
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