Kapitel 549: Chapter 549: Next in Line for Priority
The next day, as soon as I opened my eyes, I called for Han Gyeong-yeong.
"Did you enjoy your vacation?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
There had been a lot going on during the month I took off, but I handed it all over to other people.
I left everything—from the contract with Android to various investment proposals—in the hands of others at Dream High.
Maybe that's why the chronic fatigue I had sensed from Han Gyeong-yeong seemed to have faded away, and color returned to his face.
"You've really tanned, haven't you?"
"It's not so much tanning as it is being burnt. You okay with that?"
"Yeah. You look fine to me."
Han Gyeong-yeong set the pile of documents he brought down in front of me and took a seat.
"Tesla? Why that company? It was just established less than a year ago. I have no idea why it was created… Electric cars? Can they really make it? I can just imagine getting all worked up while charging them."
He shook his phone in his hand as he continued.
"If charging this tiny battery takes over an hour, just think about how long it would take to charge a battery big enough to power a car. What about safety? I'd have to lug around a battery large enough to move a vehicle!"
"Right now, they're still lacking a lot. But eventually, internal combustion engines are going to be left behind in the annals of history."
The idea that oil would run out soon is still circulating.
Of course, new oil fields are being discovered, but still, it's certain that internal combustion engines will gradually disappear in the not-so-distant future.
"Hmm…"
I read through the documents Han Gyeong-yeong had brought. Because it was a newly established company, the data was incomplete.
Martin Eberhard, Mark Tapping, and the engineer Ian Wright were the three key individuals. However, none of them could be credited with Tesla's success.
"There's really nothing here. This isn't exactly a tempting investment opportunity, is it?"
I nodded as I set the documents down.
I knew Tesla would succeed, but that only became clear after Elon Musk took control. He went through quite a bit of trial and error, but in the end, he delivered results.
Currently, it looked like a waste of money to invest in. Still, preparing this was just bait for Elon Musk.
"You're right. It's not very interesting at all."
"There's nothing to showcase. Still thinking of investing?"
"Of course."
The documents indicated they were preparing for funding soon.
By now, Elon Musk had probably noticed this company.
Out of the $7.5 million needed for funding, Elon Musk planned to invest $6.5 million. He continued to participate in multiple rounds of funding afterward, while the founders Martin Eberhard and Mark Tapping did not.
So it was only natural that with every round of investment, the existing shares would be diluted.
Ultimately, Elon Musk became the largest shareholder, and the stock that was initially held kept getting diluted until it fell below 5%.
What if we blocked potential investments completely and partnered with Musk instead?
"How much cash do we have available right now?"
"If we want to move right away, about $20 billion?"
"That's the amount in Dream High's corporate account, right?"
Han Gyeong-yeong nodded.
"That's low…"
"Right? Yet many people want to invest with us. I think we could gather enough capital."
While there were funds in multiple shell companies, I couldn't tap into that money right now.
The neocons in the White House were searching for my weaknesses, and if I moved carelessly, I could get caught.
"No. Once we start accepting money from other investors, we'll have to report it to the stock exchange. It complicates matters."
"Hmm. What if we set up a new asset management firm to gather funds there? Every time we go to a party, we hear people wanting to invest, which is becoming a hassle."
"A new asset management firm?"
"There are limits to a family office. While we hold all the profits, the perception from Wall Street isn't so favorable."
Dream High was an asset management firm started with 100% of my capital.
This method, known as a family office, allowed us to manage funds freely without any interference.
Since there were no clients to whom money was entrusted, there was no obligation to report to the Securities Exchange Commission.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot,"
I hadn't been heavily involved in Dream High's operations, so it didn't affect me much, but Han Gyeong-yeong was constantly attending Wall Street meetings and parties.
"The returns from Dream High are pretty well-known now. Wouldn't it be strange for someone with money to not inquire?"
"So we establish an asset management firm to attract clients? Is that your idea, Hyung?"
"Exactly. I think starting with around $100 billion would do. Half of that would come from Dream High, while the remaining $50 billion would be for attracting clients. Setting a minimum investment of $10 million would ensure only serious investors show up."
It seemed this wasn't just a random thought.
I smiled as I saw the specific amount on Han Gyeong-yeong's mind.
"Is that so? But who would handle the management? You need to focus on Dream High."
I couldn't just leave Dream High to someone else.
Han Gyeong-yeong, stroking his chin, said.
"What if we sent Vice President Edward to be the CEO?"
"Edward Huang? Hmm."
"He can be trusted. He wouldn't go against our directives."
"You want to leverage the influence of those investing in us, right?"
"Exactly. The more friends we have, the easier it is to maneuver. We grow their wealth, and they clear out obstacles in our path. It's a win-win situation."
"Let's think this through slowly. We can't rush it right now."
After that, I received a report on the performance of our ongoing investments.
"Until when do we need to maintain our oil futures positions? Shouldn't it be time to go short soon?"
Oil prices, which had fluctuated between $10 and $20, had now risen to $40.
"There will be ups and downs, but for now, the price will steadily increase. So, hold on to it."
"What are you aiming for?"
At Han Gyeong-yeong's question, I raised one finger.
"$100."
"What? That would be on par with the oil shock level!"
"It won't be the same. Back then, it was due to the arrogance of oil-producing countries, but this time, the price will rise gradually based on market logic. So, don't worry. There will be months of losses, as well as profitable months, but just hold on."
Han Gyeong-yeong nodded.
"Understood."
"And tell the board members who are out there with Apple to agree to whatever Jobs says."
"Huh? Didn't we already tell them that?"
"Apparently, there's been quite a backlash. I heard a $10 million early termination fee was paid. So the board members probably spoke out against Jobs."
Han Gyeong-yeong shook his head in disbelief.
"$10 million as a penalty? With that amount, they wouldn't be able to complain, right? I guess the board had reasons to oppose it. Still, they must have ultimately agreed in the end, right?"
"That may be true, but Jobs wants everyone to agree to him—he made that clear to me. So please relay that back to him precisely."
"Hmm. You seem particularly cautious around Jobs. I'll communicate it again."
I checked the time and stood up from my seat.
"Let's get moving. Didn't the attorney say to come?"
* * *
The meeting with Elon Musk was scheduled at a small café on the outskirts of Washington.
SpaceX's headquarters was in California, while Dream High was based in New York. It was awkward to meet at either place, but Musk had summoned us to this location.
As I opened the café door, I saw that except for two people sitting at a table, chatting, there was no one else around.
Upon hearing the door open, they turned to look at us as if they had been waiting.
Elon Musk stood up when he recognized me.
"Welcome!"
"Looks like we're the only guests."
"I reserved the place for today. My friend owns this shop. He's quite happy out on a date, apparently."
"Is that so?"
I smiled as we shook hands, preparing to introduce Han Gyeong-yeong.
"This is…"
"I know. If you don't know this person, you're not a businessman."
Elon Musk extended his hand to Han Gyeong-yeong.
"James Han! What a pleasure to meet a legendary investor from Wall Street. I'm Elon Musk."
"I'm James. Nice to meet you."
After they shook hands, Musk led us to our seats.
"This is my personal attorney, Jeff."
"Hello. I'm Jeff Turner."
Just then, our lawyer walked in as well.
"And this is attorney Leon Wood."
"Good day! I'm Leon Wood."
After greeting Musk, Wood chuckled as he looked at Jeff next to Musk.
"Oh! Wood. It's been a while."
"Indeed. I didn't expect to run into you here."
Musk asked.
"Do you two know each other?"
"Yes. We had a connection at Yale."
"I see. That's great to hear."
Now that all the lawyers were present, Musk wasted no time handing out the investment contracts he had prepared and began discussing them.
"$200 million for 25% is correct?"
I nodded.
"Correct. However, I would like to add a special clause."
"A special clause?"
"Yes. If you need funds due to a lack of capital, I would like priority before you seek other investors."
"Hmm… Priority?"
"Yes. Looking at SpaceX's ownership structure, I see that you have not yet recruited any investors."
Musk nodded in agreement.
I continued, smiling.
"If you don't plan on going public, this method seems easier than needlessly bringing in other investors."
"…"
"Of course, Elon Musk, you're first in line. After that, I would appreciate having the next priority to invest."
For now, no one had shown interest in SpaceX, but in time, people would come knocking at Elon Musk's door with bags of money.
"As I mentioned before, I'm investing in your vision. If you absolutely need to take on investors, I can understand and compromise to a degree."
After deliberating, Musk nodded.
"If it's that level of priority… Sure, that works for me."
We amended the contract, and the lawyers moved the table to double-check the wording.
The remaining parties continued to converse.
"What does James think about this investment?"
During the negotiations, Musk turned to Han Gyeong-yeong, who had been silently watching.
"Hmm…"
Han Gyeong-yeong, glancing at me for approval, finally spoke.
"Honestly, as an investment option, it's a failure. Private space ventures are money pits. This won't be just one round of investment; it'll require ongoing funding. It's not a project that yields quick results either."
"But…"
"The future is uncertain for anyone. It's something that no one has successfully achieved to date. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't invest in SpaceX. Maybe after results are visible."
Elon Musk, wearing an intriguing expression, asked.
"So why don't you oppose it?"
Han Gyeong-yeong lightly tapped my shoulder.
"Because it's the boss's decision."
Musk's curious gaze shifted to me.
I simply smiled in response.
"Most of Dream High's investment strategy originates from the boss's ideas. And most of them have succeeded."
"You have quite the faith,"
Musk nodded and checked his watch.
"Is anyone else supposed to join us?"
"I've invited someone to introduce. They should be arriving shortly…"
"Introduce?"
Musk grinned.
"They're not yet well-known, but they're a highly capable individual. I'm sure you won't regret meeting them."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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