Reborn IT Giant

"Mr. Zheng, please don't misunderstand me. What we are betting on is the outcome of Netscape and Microsoft. If after one month, Microsoft's market share exceeds that of Netscape, Mr. Zheng will win, and vice versa, we at KPCB will win.

I think this is fair."

At this point, it no longer mattered what was written in the agreement between the two. Both Zheng Yan and John Doerr focused on the market share in one month's time.

"Mr. Doerr, are you kidding? If under the current circumstances, Netscape can lose more than half of its market share within a month, it only means that the previous Netscape listing was a joke. The two of us

Betting here is even more of a joke."

"Well, let's change the approach. Let's limit it to one month, and the criterion is 10% market share. You have to know that 10% market share is already a lot, and it's still one month.

time."

As soon as Zheng Yan said this, although no one spoke, it could be seen from their expressions that most people felt that this standard was fair.

Losing 10% of the market share can already explain the problem. If the time is still one month, it can only prove that Zheng Yan's judgment is correct. Netscape simply does not have the strength to compete with Microsoft.

Just after Zheng Yan finished speaking, John Doerr also felt that Zheng Yan's proposal was reasonable and wanted to agree. But for some reason, when he saw Zheng Yan's determined expression, he suddenly felt uneasy.

"Mr. Zheng, given Microsoft's strength, it is not impossible to seize 10% of the market in a short period of time. However, this does not mean that Netscape will lose to Microsoft. If it is 30% of the market

Share, I can accept it."

"It seems we can't reach an agreement on this issue."

"It depends on Mr. Zheng. As long as Mr. Zheng agrees, we can sign the gambling agreement now."

"This is simply impossible. I can accept it if the time is extended to one year, but I don't know if Mr. Duer dares?"

"Mr. Zheng, this is not a question of whether you dare or not. Our company's business is investment, not betting. This time we agree to bet."

It's a helpless move. If it's just a month, we can accept it, but as for a year, I don't have the energy."

Zheng Yan finally figured it out. KPCB didn't really want to bet with him at all. It was just to save face, so he agreed. Unless the betting contract is absolutely beneficial, this bet is just a joke.

Originally, Zheng Yan's main purpose this time was to establish his prestige, and the billion-dollar bet was just the icing on the cake, not a sure win. However, after understanding John Doerr's intentions, Zheng Yan did not want to give up the bet.

"Mr. Duer, I don't think we need to talk about this issue anymore. You won't agree with me, and I won't agree to your conditions. Instead of wasting time here, it's better to come up with something that everyone can agree with."

method."

"Let's change the criteria for judging victory or defeat. We don't look at the data, regardless of external evaluations, and only one side admits defeat. I wonder if Mr. Duer dares to accept it?"

As soon as Zheng Yan finished speaking, the audience was in an uproar. According to Zheng Yan, even if one party loses, if it refuses to admit it, the other party can't do anything to him. In other words, the bet this time is not so much a billion

U.S. dollars, rather, it’s the reputation of both parties.

After hearing Zheng Yan's words, John Doerr felt like he was riding a tiger, but he still regretted it more. Since Zheng Yan dared to say this, he was sure of victory. If he followed the previous method, KPCB would at least win.

possible, now it is simply impossible.

Of course, if John Doerr doesn't agree, Zheng Yan can't do anything about him, but in this case, KPCB's reputation will be really ruined. Not only that, his own future will be ruined, and there will no longer be his in the investment world.

A place of shelter.

"Is Mr. Zheng so sure?"

"I can't say I'm sure. I just don't want to waste time on such a trivial matter. I have no other advantages, but I am confident. I firmly believe that my judgment will not be wrong. I wonder if Mr. Duer also has such confidence.

"

John Doerr really felt like he shot himself in the foot. He didn't know how to speak for a moment. Zheng Yan didn't force him to express his position, and the scene became surprisingly quiet.

"Mr. Zheng

Sir, your proposal is too sudden, I need to think about it."

John Doerr thought for a while, but finally did not dare to agree. Hearing John Doerr's answer, Zheng Yan was also disappointed. Zheng Yan knew very well that the purpose of establishing his prestige was achieved, but the one billion US dollars was definitely gone.

Microsoft's listing plan is imminent, and it cannot be delayed because of the bet between Zheng Yan and KPCB. In other words, as long as the signing of the agreement drags on for a few days, John Doerr will understand where Zheng Yan's confidence comes from, and it is naturally impossible to give him

Zheng Yan gave money.

Zheng Yan was not the only one who felt disappointed. Reporters from various media also felt that it was a bit anticlimactic. However, everyone still remembered what Zheng Yan said at the beginning, and did not ask random questions, but raised their hands one after another.

"What's wrong with this lady?"

Although the billion-dollar bet was ruined, the opportunity to beat the drowned dog was right in front of him. Zheng Yan naturally would not let it go, so he gave his time to reporters.

"Hello Mr. Zheng, I am Helen from the Wall Street Journal. I have a question for Mr. Doerr."

Helen first introduced herself, and then asked John Doerr: "Mr. Doerr, the method mentioned by Mr. Zheng is obviously the fairest. It is equivalent to leaving the standard of victory or defeat to yourselves, or to you.

the public.”

"I'm very surprised, why did you refuse? Does this mean that KPCB has given up in disguise? In fact, you are not optimistic about the future of Netscape, and you are even ready to give up Netscape?"

After hearing Helen's question, John Doerr really didn't know how to answer. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that he had already admitted defeat, but he really couldn't say such words.

Jim Clark and Marc Andreessen on the side were also livid. They knew that without Microsoft taking action at all, as long as tomorrow's report came out, Netscape would be finished.

Under the gaze of dozens or hundreds of media reporters, John Doerr could not pretend to be deaf and dumb. After sorting out his emotions, he said: "I can only say that we have not given up on Netscape. In my opinion, Netscape

Jing still has great potential. It’s not convenient for me to reveal the specific details, so please forgive me.”