That evening, Mike Morhaime placed a call to Henry.
"Mr. Williams, hello, this is Mike Morhaime!"
"Oh, hello, Mike!" Henry greeted warmly. "Have you decided? Are you willing to accept the terms from Prestige Capital?"
Mike hesitated before responding, "Yes, we are interested, but we have one condition!"
"What condition is that?"
"Well… we need the right to develop games independently. Of course, if Prestige Capital suggests ideas, we'll consider them!"
Henry contemplated for a moment. Blizzard had always aimed for excellence in game design, so granting them the autonomy to develop their own games would undoubtedly foster their creativity. He could always offer guidance from the sidelines!
"Of course!" Henry replied.
"Thank you, Mr. Williams!!!"
Mike's excitement was palpable over the phone, and Henry could hear Alan Adhan and Frank Pierce cheering in the background.
For game designers or planners, imagination ranks higher than merely programming skills! What Henry needed to provide for the Blizzard team was an empowering work environment—one that allows them to be creative without feeling stifled or pressured. They deserved the right to develop games independently! If Henry intended to micromanage every facet of their game development, he could have easily snatched random game designers from Silicon Valley instead of recruiting the distinguished founders of Blizzard.
The Blizzard team was among the best globally, and Henry held a resolute stance against actions that would inhibit their talent.
The next day, Mike Morhaime arrived at Prestige Capital to finalize the contract.
"Mike, you'd better register the company as soon as possible and start hiring employees!" Henry urged.
"Don't worry, Mr. Williams. I'll expedite the process!" Mike assured him with a nod.
Henry suddenly remembered that Blizzard had not always borne its name; it once sported the cumbersome title—Silicon and Nerve Key. Not only was it hard to recall, but it also failed to evoke a gaming spirit! "Blizzard" was a much more fitting name!
"By the way, Mike, have you decided on your company name yet?"
"I've settled on it: Silicon and Nerve Key!" Mike declared proudly.
Just as expected!
"An unfortunate choice!" said Henry. "The name Silicon and Nerve Key is awkward; it doesn't evoke a game company at all! Let's change it! How about Blizzard? I think that name sounds much cooler!"
"Blizzard!"
"Blizzard!!!"
Henry pronounced the name with heartfelt enthusiasm!
Mike, Alan Adhan, and Frank Pierce exchanged glances, all appearing content with the new title. If the sponsor deemed "Blizzard" a favorable name, then it was settled!
"Alright then, our company shall be called Blizzard!!!" Mike Morhaime announced.
Henry beamed and instructed his finance team to issue a check for $1 million, handing it over to Mike.
---
A short while later, the trio transferred the funds from the check into their business account and proceeded to rent a modest studio located not far from Prestige Capital. They then rushed to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to officially register their company!
Mike Morhaime, as the eldest and possessing notable leadership qualities, took on the role of CEO. Despite being inexperienced, he embraced the opportunity! Henry had staff assist in drafting the company's charter and systems, leaving Mike free to focus on hiring new talent. A week later, Blizzard had brought on board ten technicians, a financial officer, and a clerk.
The finance officer was assigned by Henry. His lack of trust was not personal; it was a matter of principle. As the majority stakeholder, it was critical to maintain oversight of the company's finances, rather than merely delegating responsibilities and losing control.
With Blizzard established, Prestige Capital's second investment project reached fruition. Blizzard's success further elevated Prestige Capital's reputation!
With every victory, Prestige Capital's influence within the industry expanded. Eventually, invitations would flow into Prestige Capital, promising, "Invest with us, and we'll manage your funds!" Countless wealthy individuals would clamor to invest with Henry's firm, elevating Prestige Capital to elite status—perhaps even challenging the likes of Soros' Quantum Fund!
However, the success of Prestige Capital was a certainty; it would inevitably carve a legendary path through the venture capital landscape!
A prime example to be admired!
Prestige Capital was indeed a prime example!
---
UCLA:
The head of the computer department inquired, "Mike Morhaime, Alan Adhan, Frank Pierce, are you all withdrawing from the university?"
"Yes, Professor, we're starting our own game company!" Mike replied.
In the United States, it is quite common for college students to enter entrepreneurship. The professor merely asked about their new venture, assisting them with the withdrawal paperwork.
As they exited the office, Frank Pierce couldn't contain his excitement. "Haha! Another trio of dropouts from UCLA!"
Alan Adhan shook his head, "If my dad finds out I dropped out, I'm sure he'll give me an earful!"
"Didn't Bill Gates drop out? Look how well he turned out!" Frank cracked with a grin. "Besides, Alan, is your dad likely to take a swing at a billionaire?!"
"I don't know whether he'd confront a billionaire, but I do know he'll throw a fit at me!"
"Haha…"
---
"Henry, why do you value Mike Morhaime, Alan Adhan, and Frank Pierce so highly? Why did you allocate them 10% each?" Kailena questioned, her expression furrowed with concern.
Henry replied smugly, "I'm a genius, blessed with keen insight that mere mortals like you won't grasp!" Of course, Henry wouldn't reveal the truth; he preferred to maintain a level of ambiguity! Moreover, as Blizzard would soon need additional funds, he planned to dilute their shares significantly.
Kailena sighed. "One million dollars isn't pocket change; you shouldn't casually hand over such equity to students who haven't even graduated! If you continue this way, Prestige Capital will implode!"
"Don't you trust me?" Henry parried.
"It's not that I distrust you; it's your judgment of Mike and the others!" Kailena insisted.
"Alright! Since you doubt my judgment, let's make a wager. Are you game?" Henry chuckled, stepping closer to Kailena.
"Are you plotting something?" Kailena regarded him suspiciously.
Henry laughed softly. "What plot could I have? I simply wish to wager! You don't believe Mike Morhaime should receive 30% equity? I'm betting he merits it, and I firmly believe the value he and his team produce will far exceed the worth of that 30% stake I'm granting them today!"
"Are you too nervous to place your bet?" Seeing Kailena hesitate, Henry pressed further.
"Who's afraid? I'm in!" she countered defiantly. "What's at stake?"
Henry appraised Kailena from head to toe like an enthusiast. When her cheeks flushed and she grew impatient, he grinned. "The stakes are..."
"What are they?!" she urged.
"You...!"