Robin Li had expected that Lin Yi would come to him to ask for money, and he also understood Lin Yi's intention of saying the other two things first.
Whether it is the introduction of the enterprise version of Wanli Travel or the joint establishment of a research institute by the two companies, it can be seen as a sign that the two companies are deepening their ties and that Wanli Travel is further leaning towards Xiong Factory.
Since I have become the leading brother, it is right for my younger brother to contribute money and efforts when something happens, but I still need to ask questions in advance.
"How long can you use your current funding situation? What is your plan for the next round of financing? When will it be available?"
For Lin Yi, if he had a choice, he would try his best to take other investors' money instead of Robin Li's money.
But under the current background that the subsidy war has restarted and intensified, there is no room for him to be picky. No matter whose money he has, he must get as much as possible.
Lin Yi was full of words at this time: "The company's current financial situation is expected to bottom out in June, so a new round of financing must be in place before then."
"We hope to mobilize the original shareholders to add an additional round of investment to show their confidence in the company's development. On this basis, continuing to raise funds from the outside may be a relatively smooth plan."
"Xiong Factory has always been our strategic investor and the most important cornerstone of Wanli Travel's development, so we hope to set an example."
In fact, Lin Yi can still have a lot of excuses. For example, as far as he knows, Du Kuaidu will receive strong support from both Factory A and Goose Factory in this round of financing.
Obviously, they hope to end the protracted war in the ride-hailing market as soon as possible, which is why the two major manufacturers originally agreed to merge.
However, Lin Yi is still very particular about propriety. Although he and Xiong Chang have a mutually beneficial relationship, saying that he is asking for help is a bit too low, but there is no doubt that Robin Li is his financial backer.
"We will vote."
Robin Li simply responded in the affirmative, and he should have considered this a long time ago: "How much money do you hope to get?"
Lin Yi said: "Based on business scale, Wanli Travel's current valuation should be between 8 billion and 10 billion, but we don't want to worry too much about this because investors have other targets to choose from.
"
"The primary goal of this round of financing is the amount. We will try our best to absorb all interested funds to prepare for the further continuation and escalation of the subsidy war."
Lin Yi actually has a goal. According to the current valuation, he can get up to about 2 billion US dollars in financing. If possible, he is willing to give up more shares.
However, whether he could decide this matter or not would depend on the financing situation. He didn't want to reveal it to Robin Li too early and affect the other party's expectations.
Robin Li nodded: "This is a critical moment for the industry. Judging from the last subsidy war, the industry may change at any time. Just go ahead and do it."
"I will give you a detailed reply on the investment amount of Xiong Factory after internal discussions within the company. It will definitely not delay your financing in this round."
Lin Yi knew that Robin Li was overly optimistic again. In the round of subsidy war in early 2014, apart from his own premeditation, both Dudu and Kuaidu were caught off guard to varying degrees.
But this time, everyone, including Uber, who is new to the game, is well prepared and has made sufficient budgets for funds.
Judging from the current progress of this financing arms race, this fire cannot be stopped without burning billions of dollars in total.
Of course he would not say these words, but after getting Li Robin's verbal promise, today's trip was not in vain.
…
After leaving Xiong Chang, Lin Yi's next stop was back to the Beijing University of Electronic Science and Technology, which he had been away from for a long time.
Although today was an impromptu visit and no reservation was made in advance, Lin Yi was no longer what he used to be, and he still saw his target immediately.
"Long time no see, Professor Li."
"Boss Lin has been busy with everything and hasn't been to school for a long time. I guess you happened to be passing by today, so you came to see me, right?"
The female professor's relaxed tone was obviously just a joke, but Lin Yi had almost forgotten that it was indeed a fact that he was still a college student.
"Professor Li, please don't bury me. No matter what outsiders say, no matter how much I weigh, no one in this school should know it better than you."
"Come on, let's talk about it."
Lin Yi also became serious: "It's like this. Our Wanli Travel has developed to a large scale now, but technically we still often feel that many goals cannot be fully achieved."
"So we hope to join forces with Xiong Factory to establish a smart travel research institute to provide business support to both parties in certain specific business directions."
"I won't hide it from you. My biggest concern is that Xiong Factory bullies others and takes control of this research institute. But doing so goes against our original intention."
"So I recommended you to Robin Li as the chief scientist of the institute. If you are willing, we will arrange a meeting as soon as possible, which is probably equivalent to an interview."
Lin Yi explained the matter clearly without any hidden thoughts. He knew that the female professor was a very happy person.
Sure enough, Li Feifei smiled when she heard this: "I didn't expect you to prepare such a big gift for me. With the status of Xiong Chang and Wanli Chuxing, the chief scientist of this institute is very important."
"I'm definitely interested."
Li Feifei did not hesitate, "Spending your money on my research is every scholar's dream. Of course, I should do some work for you in the process."
Lin Yi knew that he would not refuse, and the two chatted again on this topic for a while, finally coordinating the relationship and stance between Wanli Chuxing and the female professor.
Of course, this appointment still needed to be approved by Robin Li, so Lin Yi immediately made an appointment with him.
After finalizing the matter, Li Feifei suddenly suggested: "If I remember correctly, Mo Yan should graduate every two months, right?"
"You can go back and ask her if she is interested in being my graduate student?"
Lin Yi was stunned for a moment when he said this. He had almost forgotten that he was a student. How could he remember that his senior sister was about to graduate?
But if you calculate the time, it's correct. The senior sister is one grade ahead of him. This is indeed her last semester, but both of them haven't gone to school for a long time.
If an ordinary student was absent from class like this, he would have been expelled a long time ago, but Wanli Travel, founded by the two, is so popular that they are already well-known alumni of Jingdian.
The school will accommodate such trivial matters as much as possible, and it will definitely not delay the senior sister from getting her diploma.
Lin Yi immediately agreed, but when he went back, he thought with emotion:
When I was reporting, I still vividly remember the moment when I, Li Jianguo and the others reunited with my senior sister at the barbecue stall.