Chương 535: Chapter 535: A Dreamer, Not Just a Businessman
The co-founders, including Andy Rubin, were the core developers behind Android.
Without them, Android wouldn't even exist.
It's better for the original developers to lead the way as they have from the beginning.
"Will you accept the offer?"
"Are you saying you want to acquire Android itself?"
That was a given. I nodded my head.
"Yes. I'm looking to acquire Android, but on the condition that you continue development just as you always have. I'd like the contract to state that you won't stop for at least 10 years."
"······."
Ten years is a long enough time to fully tap into their technology.
Whether they leave afterward is their choice.
"We'll handle the management. Of course, we'll take your opinions into account as much as possible. We'll also allow Android to be open source. However, we'll manage the profit model ourselves."
"If it's open source, how will you generate revenue…?"
"It might be tough at first. But multiple manufacturers need to make phones using Android first. Then we can create a revenue model afterward."
"Are you saying you'll charge the manufacturers?"
I shook my head. He was a smart guy, yet it was frustrating that he didn't get it, so I decided to explain it step by step.
"No. As I mentioned earlier, we're releasing it for free as open source for anyone to use. But if we then start charging for its use, who would accept that? I'm aiming to find a different profit model."
"Can you tell me now?"
"That'll come later. I need to hold onto some cards. For now, just focus on development. Create an operating system that's easy and intuitive for anyone to use. We won't hold back on support. So, what do you say? Will you accept the offer?"
Andy hesitated, not responding immediately. He seemed worried about being interfered with if the company were acquired.
"I hold a significant amount of stock in major U.S. tech companies. I have enough shares in Apple, Google, and Amazon to influence their management, yet I've never once directed their actions. I respect their thoughts and let them operate as they wish."
Only then did Andy lift his head and look me in the eye.
"Additionally, through Dream High, I can acquire management rights or use the same method with all the companies in which I have equity investments. So, bring your ideas into reality. I'll support you as much as needed."
"What do you see in us that prompts such an offer?"
"Well? Seeing Andy, who came all the way to Korea out of his own pocket to sell an unrefined product? Or maybe it's Android's future?"
"······."
I laughed. I knew a future that no one here could foresee.
In that future, Android would divide the mobile operating system market with Apple's iOS.
Perhaps because of my involvement, Apple's smartphone might even be released sooner.
'"Speaking of which, it's been a while since I've contacted Jobs."'
After this meeting, I should give Jobs a call.
I shook off my wandering thoughts and turned back to Andy.
"Have you made a decision?"
"Could you give me a moment? I need to talk with my colleagues."
"Of course. Please take your time."
"Then I'll step out to make that call."
Andy asked for permission and left the meeting room. As soon as he left, Hong Seok-hyun turned to me.
"Boss, what do you see in that person?"
"Did you not see his gaze? He's not just a businessman; he's a dreamer. People like him will ultimately yield good results if you let them do as they wish without any worries. Whatever it may be."
"That's what I don't get. The operating system he brought and the phone he introduced have hardly any significant differences from the technology we already have patents for."
"You're looking at the present while I'm looking at the future."
My firm tone made Hong Seok-hyun fall silent. He was at a loss for words.
"But you, Hong, scheduled a meeting with the author, right? Why is that? Isn't it because you're also looking to the future?"
There wouldn't be a meeting with the executives of Ilseong Electronics if it were without reason.
"He's a well-known developer in the U.S. I just wanted to play it safe and set up a meeting, just in case."
I nodded. He had made the meeting simply by hearing Andy Rubin's name.
However, what he brought was a phone called Sidekick and the yet-to-be-verified Android operating system.
That wouldn't have been attractive for Ilseong Electronics.
"People like him need to invest in potential futures, not just the current results. Hong, stop focusing on the shortsighted present and look further ahead. That's how you survive in the mobile market."
But then again, expecting that from a professional manager rather than an owner was somewhat amusing.
Yet Hong Seok-hyun seemed serious as he listened to my words.
"Then keep developing your own OS alongside Ilseong's. Why not make it and use the better one?"
"Is that really permissible? Isn't it better to focus on one?"
Serious-faced Hong Seok-hyun asked whether two operating systems were really necessary.
"Isn't success what matters? Would there be any reason to halt what Ilseong Electronics' researchers are developing?"
"No. Then our researchers could possibly collaborate with theirs…"
I interrupted him. There was no need to limit Ilseong and Android together, jeopardizing Ilseong's own potential.
"There's no reason for that. Ilseong Electronics and Android are separate entities."
"Understood. Then we will continue our work as we have been."
"Good. So let's see if you can create a better OS than theirs. If you manage to surpass them and dominate the mobile OS market, I'll promise a substantial reward to everyone involved in this undertaking."
"I understand. The researchers will be thrilled."
Could we truly compete, not with Android but with Ilseong Electronics' own OS this time?
For me, either outcome would be a gain. I finished my conversation with Hong Seok-hyun and turned toward Lee Taek-ki.
"Chairman Lee."
"Yes, Boss?"
"How is the asset division in the semiconductor division coming along? I believe the Fair Trade Commission has already approved it."
"Yes. We're planning to create a new subsidiary under the name Ilseong Semiconductors soon. That person has prepared everything, so there haven't been any major obstacles."
His words suddenly reminded me of Seo Jae-hoon being put into a coma.
"Seo Jae-hoon has fallen into a state of unconsciousness?"
"Yes. That's what I understand too."
"Do you know why this suddenly happened?"
"I have no idea. First, Chairman Seo Yong-geon fell ill, and then Vice Chairman Seo Jae-hoon followed suit…"
A dark shadow fell across Lee Taek-ki's face.
These were the people who had worked alongside Seo Yong-geon to build Ilseong Electronics.
Though Seo Yong-geon had collapsed and they initially rejected our offered hand due to dissatisfaction with Seo Jae-hoon's actions, they were still the core members of Ilseong Electronics.
"I need to go to the hospital. I have to find out what's going on."
Although I knew it was the hospital director's doing, I wanted to see firsthand what had happened.
"How much longer until that's done?"
"Everything will be finished within three months. But do you seriously plan to list Ilseong Semiconductors on NASDAQ?"
"Yes. Thinking long-term, that's what makes sense. The mobile phone business and the semiconductor business need to be separate. Also, the U.S. is aware that both major shareholders of Jungwoo Semiconductors and Ilseong Electronics are investment companies related to me. It would be a headache if they started bringing up monopoly laws later on. I plan to list Ilseong Semiconductors on NASDAQ and expand the U.S. factory."
Ilseong Semiconductors would fully pivot to foundry while Jungwoo Semiconductors would grow into a comprehensive semiconductor company handling both design and manufacturing.
"I see. What do you intend to do about the researchers?"
"In time, I plan to shift the researchers over to Jungwoo Semiconductors. So please, don't worry too much."
"Understood. I'll proceed with that in mind."
Once our conversation reached a stopping point, the door opened, and Andy Rubin came back in.
He returned to the front of the meeting room. I looked at him and asked.
"Have you made your decision?"
"If you promise to uphold the open-source agreement, I will transfer the company to you. I have one more condition to add."
"Another condition?"
"Yes. Please guarantee our equity."
"Guarantee your equity? What if it costs millions? Are you saying I should work for free?"
Despite my chilly inquiry, Andy Rubin stood his ground.
"No. We still need equity to feel like we're stakeholders in this project, don't we?"
"Hmm."
While Andy Rubin's statement had some merit, it made me think for a moment before I asked.
"There are four co-founders, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"How much equity are you asking to be guaranteed?"
"We just need about 5% for each person."
That added up to a total of 20% equity to be given away. However, I wasn't inclined to part with that much.
"I'll offer you $30 million to acquire 100% of Android's equity. I'll allot you 6% and the remaining three members 3% each, totalling 15% of the equity. Of course, the shares could get diluted later due to a capital increase."
"······$30 million?"
Andy responded in astonishment.
"Oh, right. After factoring in the 15% equity cut, it should roughly come to about $25 million. Plus, if there's an IPO, I'll ensure you'll receive stock options before that. Any objections?"
"Ah, no. That works for all involved."
"Then return to the U.S. and focus on development. Someone from Dream High will reach out to you. You can discuss the details when you see the contract then."
"Aren't you going to personally invest?"
"No. I'll just relay your investment to Dream High. Rest assured, the terms we discussed will be made clear in the contract."
Upon hearing that the terms would be specified in the contract, Andy's tense expression relaxed.
"Continue your developments back in the U.S. Someone will come to see you within a week. And…"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing.
"If you plan to reach out to other companies regarding this sale, please cancel those discussions."
"······."
"I dislike it when others interfere with the companies I'm interested in. If I hear of such actions, all acquisition plans will be revoked. I'll also use all my resources and influence to ensure Android fails."
"······."
Andy Rubin hesitated, not responding. He likely had commitments with Google.
After being turned down by Ilseong Electronics, it wasn't long before he went to Google.
Given his swift decision, it was clear he was weighing both Google and Ilseong Electronics.
"So please, cancel everything."
"Understood. I'll do that."
Andy replied with a firm voice. I couldn't help but smile warmly as I stood up.
I moved closer to Andy Rubin.
"It was good meeting you today."
Andy Rubin shook my hand. The father of Android, Andy Rubin.
I had brought him to me. Time would tell what consequences this choice would yield.
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