Chapter 303: Pleasant Cooperation
"Mr. Hikigaya is truly young and promising," Mark Zuckerberg exclaimed as he looked at Hachiman's youthful face.
"Oh, Mr. Zuckerberg, you're too kind. You've also succeeded in founding your own company at such a young age," Hachiman responded appropriately.
"Youth is also a kind of capital, isn't it? We are more energetic, and in the business world, it's the final outcome that matters. Being young doesn't really make a difference," Hachiman added.
"Haha, you're right," Mark Zuckerberg laughed in agreement.
"May I ask the purpose of your visit?" Mark Zuckerberg continued, getting straight to the point.
Without much ado, Soue spoke, "Mr. Zuckerberg, we heard that your company is planning to go public for financing."
"That's correct," Mark Zuckerberg nodded, a hint of concern appearing on his face, indicating that the financing results might not have met his expectations.
"We're here this time to invest in your company, Mr. Zuckerberg," Soue stated their purpose.
Upon hearing this, Mark Zuckerberg's eyes lit up. "I wonder how much you want to invest."
"Approximately a total of 300 million dollars," Soue mentioned a tempting figure.
As expected, hearing this amount, Mark Zuckerberg felt a surge of excitement. With the previous investments and now this, it would be enough for him to expand significantly.
However, he didn't immediately agree. Instead, he pondered for a moment and asked, "I wonder how much ownership you want."
"25%," Soue calmly stated.
Hearing this percentage, Mark Zuckerberg furrowed his brow.
"Mr. Nakiri, your asking price is quite high. You know, 25% ownership is worth much more than 300 million dollars."
Soue remained composed and continued, "I wonder how much 300 million dollars can get us in terms of ownership in Mr. Zuckerberg's eyes."
Business negotiations take time; they can't be settled in one go.
"15%," Mark Zuckerberg stated his preferred ownership percentage.
"Too low," Soue shook his head.
"How about we compromise? 20%," Soue suggested.
Mark Zuckerberg still frowned because this exceeded his initial expectations.
"Mr. Nakiri..."
Just as he was about to refuse, Soue threw in another card.
"20% ownership, and we, Totsuki, will assist you in entering the Japan market. How about that?"
Hearing this condition, Mark Zuckerberg felt tempted.
Currently, Facebook had gained some recognition in the United States and surrounding North American countries, but he indeed had plans to expand into the Eastern markets.
Japan and India were promising entry points.
They had already begun promotions in India, with reasonable success. Facebook was becoming popular in some high schools and universities.
However, the Japan market was proving challenging.
Controlled by the four major conglomerates, he found it hard to make significant progress.
But with Totsuki's assistance, the situation would be different.
Thinking this through, Mark Zuckerberg made up his mind.
"Mr. Nakiri, are you serious about this?"
"Naturally. We have a certain reputation," Soue nodded.
"In that case, I agree," Mark Zuckerberg consented, but he had one condition.
"However, I hope Mr. Nakiri and Mr. Hikigaya can agree to reduce your ownership in the future. Of course, I'll repurchase at a reasonable price."
Given the intention to go public for financing, Mark Zuckerberg currently held around 25% of the shares. If Hachiman and Soue secured 20%, they would immediately become the second and third-largest shareholders in the company.
Upon hearing his words, Hachiman smiled.
"Mr. Zuckerberg, rest assured. Although we will each hold a 10% stake, we have no intention of meddling in your company's operations. We simply seek annual profits and dividends."
Even though they reassured him, Mark Zuckerberg remained cautious, sticking to his initial stance.
"I still hope both of you can agree to my suggestion. In the future, we will gradually reduce our stakes, and correspondingly, I'll repurchase at a 5% premium."
After some contemplation, Hachiman spoke, "How about this? Within the next ten years, we will reduce our holdings to 5%. As for the remaining 5%, Mr. Zuckerberg, would you agree to repurchase at a 15% market premium at that time?"
Around ten years would be the period of Facebook's stock price surge.
"15% is too much, Mr. Hikigaya," Zuckerberg's face revealed a wry smile.
At this moment, Soue, standing aside, pushed his glasses and calmly said, "How about 10%, and please don't forget, there is also Totsuki's assistance."
Upon hearing this, Zuckerberg fell silent, then nodded after a moment.
"Alright, let's go with Mr. Nakiri's suggestion."
He called his secretary, drafted two 10% stock contracts, and, after signing them, the three exchanged glances and smiled.
"Mr. Nakiri, Mr. Hikigaya, here's to a fruitful collaboration."
"Yes, a fruitful partnership."
.....
.....
After signing the contract, the jovial Mark Zuckerberg naturally expressed a desire to be a gracious host and invited the two for lunch, an invitation Hachiman and Soue Nakiri did not refuse.
At the dining table, the three continued to enjoy each other's company.
After the meal, Hachiman politely declined Zuckerberg's recommendation for a relaxing activity and instead bought some souvenirs to bring back for the girls.
Early the next morning, Hachiman and Soue Nakiri boarded a flight back to Tokyo.
After approximately ten hours of travel, they arrived back in Chiba in the evening. Riding in the Nakiri family's car, Hachiman returned to his home.
Looking at the familiar front door, Hachiman pushed it open.
"I'm back!"
"Welcome home, Onii-chan."
Upon entering the house, Komachi in the living room was the first to greet him.
"How did it go? Was everything smooth?"
"Relatively smooth. Here, this is a souvenir." Hachiman nodded, taking out a gift and handing it over.
"Wow, thanks, Onii-chan." Taking the gift, Komachi thanked him with a smile.
After patting her head, Hachiman walked into the living room. Given his current constitution, he didn't need to worry about jet lag.
With the successful completion of the investment, most of his plan had unfolded. To reward himself, Hachiman decided not to write today.
After taking a shower, he played a competitive video game with Komachi in the living room, then went to bed early.
A quiet night passed without any significant events.