Kapitel 548: Chapter 548: You Can Accept My Investment
Elon Musk didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he scrutinized my face intently.
"Right now, Musk, your money might be enough. But making rockets and launching them will require more than just your wealth. Why are there so few countries able to launch rockets into space?"
The answer was simple: it all boiled down to money.
"The reason you tried to buy that used rocket from Russia is the same. Russia had no incentive to sell it to you cheaply, so you couldn't acquire it. But if you had partnered with me, the outcome would have been different."
"Does that mean you would have had the upper hand in negotiations with Russia?"
Shrugging, I replied.
"They wouldn't have dared to demand an outrageous price. You could have secured that used rocket at the initial price you were thinking of."
"So, is it still possible…?"
Elon Musk trailed off, the hint of hope in his tone. But I shook my head.
"It's still possible now. But… I recommend that SpaceX focuses on developing the technology to send rockets into space on its own. This is a long-term project. Ultimately, possessing the technology is more valuable than state-led space industries."
The space industry is dominated by state-led initiatives.
Yet, only a handful of countries, including the U.S. and Russia, actually have the technology to launch rockets themselves.
There are many reasons for this, but the primary one is the enormous cost involved.
SpaceX is no different.
While Elon Musk claimed he would invest $100 million—half his fortune—would that truly be enough to succeed?
No, it likely wouldn't. I knew that Musk was already teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
"On top of that, you'll have to compete with Boeing and Lockheed Martin. To turn any profit, you'll need to collaborate with NASA. However, they don't really have much reason to partner with SpaceX when collaborating with those two companies is already in place."
"Those two companies…"
"Oh, you haven't heard? They're likely negotiating behind the scenes. There are rumors that they're planning to form a new company together in light of the new players entering the market."
Clearly surprised, Elon Musk's brow furrowed as he asked.
"What? Those two companies are merging?"
"Specifically, they're separating their space divisions to create a new company."
"Where did you hear such news…?"
I smiled knowingly. For someone who was in the know about the future, this was hardly surprising.
"That's a trade secret. Regardless, if that happens, working with NASA will become even more challenging."
"Hmm.**
"However, those two companies also have vulnerabilities. Just like you intended, they'll likely opt to buy rockets from Russia and then modify them."
Private companies prioritize profits.
It's far easier and more profitable to modify existing technology than to develop it from scratch.
Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin were already adopting that strategy by bringing in aging rockets from Russia to refurbish.
It's not that they lack technology; it's purely driven by profit motives that lead them to pursue Russian rockets.
"So, proceed as you originally planned. That's the path to SpaceX's success."
Elon Musk nodded.
"Thank you for the advice. However, I don't intend to take any investments. For now, my funds are sufficient."
"I'd be happy to give you 30% equity for $200 million."
This was the perfect time to invest. Elon Musk's eyes widened at the unexpectedly large amount.
But I already knew that this was when SpaceX's valuation was at its lowest.
In the future, even with money, acquiring shares of the company would be impossible.
This was due to Elon Musk's unique management style.
He was a workaholic, extremely averse to anything that might interfere with his management.
Moreover, having been ousted from PayPal, he'd want to maintain absolute control over his company.
"30% equity for $200 million?"
"Yes. $200 million. This isn't an investment to make profit; it's about investing in your dream. A city on Mars… Doesn't that make your heart race just thinking about it?"
"I'm not running this business with an IPO in mind."
I nodded, showing my agreement with his statement.
"That's why I said this isn't about making profits. I feel the same way. While I don't view the stock market negatively, I know that managing a company as a private entity is usually more convenient than the benefits derived from IPO profits."
Going public makes it easier to raise funds, but it comes with a host of scrutiny.
If you have enough money, you might prefer to avoid such hassles altogether.
"If you look into my background, you'll see that some of the companies I've acquired have been taken private via buyouts of most shares. If profit were my sole motivation, I wouldn't do that, would I?"
This was Elon Musk's strong aversion to taking investments.
Early investors generally want an IPO because they want to cash out their stakes.
"So, you can accept my investment. I won't interfere in your management. While I may offer advice, I won't pressure you. A prime example is Apple. Dream High is its biggest shareholder, yet I entrusted Jobs with management."
Own it, but let others run it. That's been the foundation of my investment strategy all along.
"I'm aware of that. Dream High's investment style is well-known on Wall Street."
"Yes. There's a fable by Aesop, isn't there? The tale of the goose that lays golden eggs."
Elon Musk remained silent, just listening intently to my words.
"I have no intention of cutting open the goose. Before Jobs returned, Apple changed everything after he was ousted. Did that yield good results at all?"
I interlocked my fingers, continuing.
"In the computer market, they handed over complete control to Bill Gates' Microsoft. It wasn't until they nearly went bankrupt that they sought Jobs again. What happened after that? Apple made a glorious comeback."
"Why are you mentioning this?"
His skepticism was clear, but I smiled in response.
"I believe that the quality of a CEO can determine a company's fate. If you, Elon Musk, were to leave SpaceX, what would that even mean? Have faith that my stake won't obstruct your path."
Elon Musk tapped the table and stared at me directly.
He remained silent, as if trying to grasp the true meaning behind my words.
I maintained a smile as I looked back at him without saying anything further.
After a long moment of contemplation, Elon Musk finally spoke.
"25% equity for $200 million. I can't go any lower."
He offered 5% more than I anticipated. Though I asked for 30%, I never truly thought I'd receive the full 30%.
"Alright. 25% equity for $200 million it is. Let's finalize the contract tomorrow with our lawyers present."
Musk jokingly remarked at my acceptance.
"Oops. I should have asked for 20%. I didn't expect you to agree so easily."
"Haha. Even if you had asked for 20%, I would've accepted. But I believe your character wouldn't allow you to back down from a commitment, given who you are, Elon Musk."
He shook his head, as if conceding defeat, then stood up and extended his hand.
"Welcome aboard, Charlie."
I stood up too and shook his hand.
"I also have high expectations of you. Let's work together to get to Mars."
Before parting ways, we set a time to meet again.
In the days that followed, many American entrepreneurs sought me out.
Most were notable figures in the U.S. business scene.
But none sparked my interest quite like Elon Musk.
Losing interest, I decided to linger a little longer before exiting the forum.
#
Following the summit between President Bush and President Yoon Chang-ho, the two released a joint statement.
The agreement revealed after their meeting was comprised of six clauses.
1. Both countries express their commitment to not permit North Korea's nuclear development.
2. Both countries will mobilize all methods to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula.
3. The U.S. will maintain its military presence in Korea, while Korea will send troops to Iraq. All such decisions will rest with the Korean government, including troop numbers.
4. Both countries share a consensus on promoting policies favorable to trade activation and trade liberalization as pursued by APEC.
5. The U.S. recognizes Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo.
6. Korea will actively follow UN-led sanctions against North Korea.
The content was satisfactory for both the U.S. and Korea.
Especially significant was the U.S. government's explicit acknowledgment of Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo, which effectively stripped Japan of the power to claim rights over it.
In domestic politics, there likely couldn't be a more advantageous card than this.
This was not my achievement, but rather a concession won by President Yoon Chang-ho. What he exchanged for this, I had no idea…
Lost in thought, my phone suddenly rang.
"Oh, Myeong-su."
― Mu-hyeok, did you see the joint statement?
"I just checked. The U.S. officially recognizes Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. How on earth did that happen?"
― The U.S. agreed to increase Korea's defense cost share. While it's not a massive increase like they often demand, they hinted at following through on this current negotiation.
"Is that alright? The opposition party will likely push back hard on this."
The increase in defense cost share for U.S. troops in Korea was a common demand from the U.S. regardless of the administration.
Up until the 1980s, the U.S. bore most of the cost. But with the U.S. financial decline and Korea's economic growth, Korea agreed to cover a portion under a special arrangement.
― Instead, all funding will be paid in Won, not dollars.
Well played. This felt like a negotiation that gave and took wisely.
The cost share would inevitably rise. If we're raising it, we might as well get something in return.
"Thanks for your hard work."
― What can I say? It's all thanks to you. I received word that the repatriation of those involved will be possible next month. They've requested to unveil this slowly.
Myeong-su detailed the events that transpired in the negotiation arena.
It felt like he wanted compliments, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
― Oh, and the President is looking for you.
"Tell him I'll meet him once I return to Korea. Are there no major schedules left?"
― There's nothing big left. Alright then, I'll convey that.
After wrapping up my call with Myeong-su, I entered my bedroom and collapsed onto the bed.
As I prepared the bait to reel in Elon Musk for tomorrow, I slowly closed my eyes.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein