"The stock price rose 43% on the first day, and the market value reached US$5.9 billion. After experiencing it for myself, I discovered that sometimes it is really so easy to make money."
"It's just because we happen to catch up with a new round of wealth distribution. However, Mike, I have read a report on LinkedIn's operating conditions in recent months. Frankly speaking, I feel more and more that you are more suitable to be responsible for This company, after all, LinkedIn and CAA are actually the same in some aspects. The core business in the future will be to sell talents to customers. As for Eisner, it was not a problem when LinkedIn was very small. As the number of users increases in the future As it gets bigger, his mindset of running a content-based business will only limit the company’s growth.”
"Simon, you know this is very troublesome. Mike and I have been good friends for so many years. It was him who started LinkedIn more. I am only considered a partner and occasionally come up with some ideas."
"The current number of registered users on LinkedIn is 27 million. This is just the beginning. In the future, it may be 270 million or even more. Mike, compared to CAA, which currently has less than 2,000 clients of all types in total, it represents 1 billion clients. I think Which one gives you more room to display?"
"Simon, I think we should not discuss this issue."
"Well, the future is still very long anyway."
Park City, Utah.
It was Saturday afternoon, January 18, in Simon's villa on the top of the mountain in the south of the city.
The waiter team in the villa was busy preparing for the annual party in the evening. Simon and Michael Ovitz, who came to visit, were hiding in a living room on the west side of the villa overlooking Park City, drinking coffee and chatting. The topic was the successful listing yesterday. LinkedIn, a professional social networking site.
Two years ago, Michael Eisner left his job after the Disney acquisition. He and his friend Michael Ovitz explored the idea of a workplace social networking site. By chance, they chatted with Simon, and Simon named him LinkedIn based on his memory.
The project was established in February 1995 and went online in June of that year. Until now, about a year and a half later, through close cooperation with the Westeros system and the marketing guidance of Igrit, the cumulative number of registered users has reached 27 million. Unlike Facebook, a popular social networking tool, as a professional workplace social networking site, LinkedIn's user base is unparalleled among similar sites.
In the just-completed IPO, LinkedIn issued 15% of new shares, raised US$600 million, and reached a corporate valuation of US$3.5 billion. In the end, the stock price rose by 43% on the first day, and the total equity market value after the issuance of new shares was US$5.9 billion.
Although it cannot be compared with the previous listing of Instagram, a website with a cumulative investment of only US$120 million and estimated annual revenue of less than US$10 million has achieved a market value of US$5.9 billion in just one and a half years, which makes people sigh again. The miracle of wealth creation in the Internet industry.
After two rounds of financing and this IPO, the shareholdings of the two "Michaels" who were born in Hollywood and have similar shareholdings have been reduced to about 18%. They were listed yesterday. Based on the closing stock price that day, their personal net worth has directly reached 1 billion. The US dollar level has become the new 'Billionaire', which is also the key reason why Ovitz just sounded so emotional.
Even if you understand that it is just paper wealth, it is still too easy to make money.
Simon was not as emotional as Ovitz. The original direct investment and the subsequent shares acquired by Igret from LinkedIn’s investment were of no importance to Simon’s current net worth. What he saw was the rise of LinkedIn’s reputation. Hidden worries. After the listing, Michael Eisner also held the position of chairman and CEO of LinkedIn, while Ovitz, as the majority shareholder with a considerable shareholding ratio, only had one board seat.
In Simon's view, if LinkedIn wants to develop better, the two should actually swap positions.
If Ovitz is willing, Simon can personally come forward to discuss the matter. Of course, if the negotiations cannot be reached, it will be easy to forcibly replace the management with the nearly 30% shareholding of the Westeros system. Thinking about the last moment between the two Michaels in history, it will probably be the same this time.
Now, since Ovitz still values his friendship with Eisner, Simon doesn't push it.
Not urgent.
There is ample time.
It would actually be better if Eisner could voluntarily quit in the future.
In the reception room.
Michael Ovitz took a sip of coffee, looked admiringly at the beautiful town surrounded by mountains, forests and snow fields, and asked: "By the way, Simon, are there any newcomers you are optimistic about this time?"
"Yes, I have."
"Um?"
Simon held the warm coffee cup in his hand and shook his head with a smile: "I won't tell you, lest CAA snatch it away and raise the price."
"Uh, okay."
Knowing that Simon was joking, Michael Ovitz still couldn't help but smile bitterly.
In today's Hollywood, the rise of blockbusters continues to weaken the status of big directors and stars. Coupled with Daenerys Entertainment's increasing control over the entire entertainment industry, there is no other agency that can raise prices in front of Simon. , all rushing for opportunities.
Thinking of this, Ovitz couldn't help but think of Simon's proposal just now.
Even though Ovitz has worked hard to develop sports agencies and expand the business scope of CAA in recent years, this company is basically unlikely to have much development. If he can jump out and obtain a broader platform, Ovitz would actually be happy to do so. try.
The problem is that there can only be one person in charge of LinkedIn.
If he was forced to get along, Ovitz was not without emotional intelligence. He knew very well that the result would probably be that he and Eisner would become friends forever.
Simon had just arrived in Park City in the morning, and he hadn't watched a single movie. He just looked through the information on this year's shortlisted films on the plane. Under normal circumstances, it was of course impossible to discover any outstanding newcomers.
The opposite is certainly true.
Among the shortlisted films of this year, Daenerys Entertainment’s high-end film studio promoted two projects, Christopher Nolan’s first feature film “Following”, and Guy Li, also from the UK and also his first feature film. Qi directed "Two Smoking Barrels".
There is no need to say much about these two movies and their related creators.
In addition, Simon also saw some other familiar names.
For example, there is a bald, hunky man named Vin Diesel who wrote, directed and starred in the movie "Lost", which was shortlisted for the main competition.
For another example, there is a young Asian director named Lin Yibin who brought a work he wrote and directed in collaboration with his classmates, called "Fangs", which was shot at a cost of US$100,000. Unfortunately, he was not admitted. Due to the judges' discernment, it only entered the non-competition screening section established by Sundance in recent years.
It's just this pairing that makes Simon's trip worthwhile. After all, the "Fast and Furious" series are directly related to each other.
However, Simon's arrangements for Vin Diesel and Justin Lin are different.
Since he does not plan to launch the "Fast and Furious" series in the short term, Vin Diesel plans to wait for a few years, and Simon will also slightly control the career line of the big actor to avoid rivals before the "Fast and Furious" series is launched. Going too high, including "Saving Private Ryan" that Spielberg is currently preparing. This time, for the role of a soldier, although Simon promised Mr. Olds not to interfere at all, he didn't want anyone to get the chance. , still a breeze.
Lin Yibin directly began to polish it further.
The 23-year-old director, who graduated from the film department at the University of California, has already shot two feature films including "Snap and Fang". Although they are very low-cost small films that can only involve family and friends to cooperate, but compared with many high-minded and low-handed films, For a newbie in the industry, this is already a pretty good result, and he can be directly sent to New World Pictures to serve as the director of some low-cost small projects.
Simon and Ovitz chatted casually, and the time soon came to evening.
The days are short in winter, and when dusk begins to fall, the villa on the top of the mountain is illuminated with bright lights, making it the most desirable place for everyone in the entire town at night.
"Simon, I'm so pitiful. Paramount screwed up such a good movie as "Mrs. Peron."
In the villa hall.
Madonna, who had just arrived, saw Simon chatting with Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon and rushed over, taking advantage of her and complaining at the same time.
When Robbins and Sarandon saw this, they raised their glasses with a smile and walked away on their own initiative.
Simon just hugged the woman and pushed her away decisively, but still said: "There are at least 50 million in North America, which is good. Moreover, Paramount will definitely not make the same mistake overseas. There is no problem in selling well. Anyway, this The project will definitely be very profitable and you can continue to work in Hollywood."
Of course Madonna understood this, and she leaned over and hugged Simon's arm: "In that case, Simon, do you have a role that is suitable for me?"
Simon was very decisive: "This really doesn't exist."
Her Lady Queen opened her mouth and bit Simon's shoulder in dissatisfaction, and then came over to wink at him: "How about I stay tonight and we can talk alone. You must have something, right?"
"Then even less so."
Simon refused again without mercy. When he saw Robert Redford walking over, he took a few steps to say hello. Redford obviously misunderstood the relationship between Simon and Queen Mac. He looked at the two of them with ridicule in his eyes, but he was just casual. After chatting for a few words, he signaled to Tommy Lee Jones, who was one of the judges of this film festival not far away, and said: "I have something to talk to Tommy about. See you later."
Robert Redford said, not forgetting to nod to Madonna and turned to Tommy Lee Jones.
After Redford left, Simon noticed that Madonna came over to her again, raised her hand and slapped the woman somewhere: "Okay, sweetheart, even if you love me to the point of breaking your heart, there will never be any result between us. Since If you don’t have a male companion, then go pick one and see if there are any other interested young men.”
Queen Mai pretended to be in pain and squeaked, but her eyes pointed at the two tall and graceful figures in the crowd: "I'm looking for a little girl, do you mind?"
Your Majesty the Queen is open to both men and women.
Simon glanced at Roberta Chilko and Anneliese Thurbert, who were being signaled by Madonna, and then deliberately lowered his head to glance at the Madonna who was actually only about 1.6 meters tall: "Go and try, as long as you can seduce Come, I won’t stop you.”
Queen Mai glanced at the crowd in the hall and said venomously: "There are so many models tonight, Simon, can you bear it?"
Today's Sundance is not just about movies, it has gradually become a gathering place for music and fashion events, so it will attract a large number of musicians and fashion models.
As for tonight, it was definitely a bit more.
Mainly Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Tracy Gauff, Fernanda Lima, etc. on Elite's side VS Roberta Chilko and Annie on Ford's side Liz Thebert also brought a number of Ford pillars.
The total number is close to 30 people.
What if... Of course Simon really couldn't stand it.
However, Simon never thought about 1V30 or anything like that. It was too cruel, but the villa was full of these big goblins, which made it more pleasing to the eye.
Madonna continued to talk for a few words, and finally restrained herself a little, and got down to business: "Simon, at the Golden Globe Awards tomorrow night, do you think there is hope for "Mrs. Peron" and my nomination for the leading actress?"
"You should ask Paramount about this," Simon shrugged. Seeing that Her Majesty the Queen was staring closely at her, he had to say: "My focus this year is "The English Patient", and I don't care about anything else. So as long as you are not too incompetent, , the probability is very high.”
"Oh, that's really good news."
"Mrs. Peron" is applying for the Golden Globe Award for musical comedy. As for musical comedy, Daenerys Entertainment's nominated film is "Fargo". The Coen Brothers' crime thriller film is applying for a musical comedy. It is completely In order to make way for "Good Will Hunting" and "The English Patient", Paramount does not necessarily think so, and thinks this is a disguised public relations strategy by Daenerys Entertainment.
Although the Coen brothers have not been favored during the awards season, if Daenerys Entertainment launches "Fargo", it will be difficult for "Mrs. Peron" to stop it. It will not win the Golden Globe Award, and there will be no chance of subsequent Oscars. This movie The overseas distribution will inevitably bring an extra layer of haze.
Therefore, Simon put it lightly, it is a blessing from heaven for the Mai Queen.
The McQueen sighed excitedly, and when someone wasn't paying attention, she suddenly hugged Simon again and kissed him on the face, and then she finally let go of this little man who always saw that he couldn't eat and walked away with satisfaction.
Madonna had just left. Before Simon could move, Cindy Crawford and Carla Bruni, wearing a low-cut black dress, came over and said, "Good evening, Simon. Although it's not the first time, But it feels great every time I come here.”
"Thank you," Simon said, nodding to Carla Bruni, then turned to Cindy and asked with a smile: "I heard that you are getting married soon?"
"Yeah, you've seen it, Rand Jabbert," Cindy said, with a little resentment in her eyes: "I am an older model who failed to transform, and you shut down the Victoria's Secret show again. I have no choice but to get married and retire."
Simon made a gesture and covered his chest: "Don't be like this, I feel guilty."
Cindy took advantage of the situation and pursued her: "Then why don't you take responsibility for me?"
"Well, it seems I have no choice but to admit it. I am a bad man and never take responsibility."
“…”
Carla Bruni was holding a glass of red wine in her hand and watching the interaction between the two. Seeing that Cindy was speechless for a moment, she grabbed the right words: "Simon, can I stay overnight this time?"
"Of course, I can't guarantee safety."
Carla Bruni smiled and raised her eyebrows: "Why?"
Cindy took over the topic again: "Because there is a bad man here."
Simon nodded sadly: "That's right."
Carla Bruni chuckled and said, "I'm not afraid of bad men, and actually, I hope I can stay here for a few more days?"
"In that case, of course it's no problem."
"Actually, this small town gives me a great feeling. I plan to stay here for some time and write songs on the way. I am preparing my next record. Simon, can you help me?"
Before Simon could answer, Cindy had already said: "Tomorrow night is the Golden Globe Awards, Simon should go back to Los Angeles."
He said and looked at the man in front of him.
Simon shook his head: "I won't attend the Golden Globe Awards. I still have things to do here and I won't leave until next Monday. As for Kara, she still has to write her own record. However, it doesn't matter how long you want to live here."
"Oh, thank you so much."
"You're welcome," Simon said, then looked at Cindy: "By the way, do you want to stay overnight tonight?"
Cindy hesitated a little: "How many people do you plan to keep?"
"You can stay if you want. After I leave, you can continue. This place has been empty for a long time, and it will be better if there are people living in it."
"Forget it."
Cindy refused. After all, she was engaged. It would be fine if she secretly had something to do with Simon Westeros. But it would be inappropriate if there were too many eyes around. After all, she had to save some face for her real fiancé. It cannot be spread to everyone.
Simon didn't force himself, raised his glass to the two women and said, "Then have a better time tonight."
The two women knew that the man had to entertain many guests, so they didn't bother and said goodbye and turned elsewhere.