Chapter 400 Tens of billions of financing, Meow Meow Bicycle crisis breaks out, Zhang Shuo is busy watching the show?!
After Lu Kai left, Zhang Shuo was thinking about the funding issue again.
Not only to develop commercial aerospace business, but also to consider how to alleviate the pressure on the capital chain of the budding industry. We cannot always dance on the tightrope.
I don’t have any money, and I always feel like I can’t do anything.
With the current scale of Sprout Group, there are actually many ways and channels to raise funds, but many of the so-called "shortcuts" are what Zhang Shuo subconsciously wants to avoid.
For example, we can use high-quality subsidiaries such as Maili Group and Mango Group for financing.
The threshold will be overrun by investors in minutes.
And if Zhang Shuo is willing to raise funds from the parent company of Sprout Group, with Sprout's valuation exceeding one trillion, he can easily raise hundreds or even hundreds of billions.
The problem of shortage of capital chain can be fundamentally solved in one step.
But this is not realistic.
First of all, subsidiaries such as Maili Group and Jade Bird Interactive Entertainment have already achieved profitability and are the mainstay of profitability. If they raise funds, they will not be able to turn in profits on time every month as they do now.
Instead, it is changed to year-end settlement.
For sprouts that move every month, it is even more inconvenient.
As for the Sprout Group, this involves the issue of dividends. Before financing, Sprout was actually owned by Zhang Shuo alone, and there was no need to consider the issue of dividends at all.
But once you raise funds, you will face the problem of dividends.
With the shares held by Zhang Shuo, the United Dream Fund will share more than half of the profits of the Sprout Group. This is definitely not Zhang Shuo's original intention, nor does he intend to use this method to increase his personal wealth.
So financing is currently not feasible.
The only option is to continue to issue corporate bonds to supplement cash flow.
Thinking of this, Zhang Shuodang called the newly appointed financial director Cai Feijuan to the office, smiled and asked Cai Feijuan to sit down on the sofa, and said with a smile: "The group's capital chain is tight, what can you do?"
Cai Feijuan sat up straight, knowing that this was a test for her.
"The group's asset-liability ratio is very healthy and it can continue to issue 50 to 10 billion corporate bonds."
Although the interest-bearing liabilities of Sprout Group alone are as high as 24 billion, in addition to cash-like assets, there are many other assets such as external investment and operating assets.
Among foreign investments, companies such as Wujiang Technology and Linde New Energy have seen a surge in market prices recently.
Needless to say, Linde New Energy, with the help of Mango M1, has quickly attracted the attention of investors and is about to start a new round of financing for research and development and expansion of production scale.
Wujiang Technology is even more prosperous.
In January this year, Wujiang Technology released another iconic product - "Phantom".
This is the first pre-assembled quadcopter that is ready to take off. It is easy to install and can take off within an hour after unboxing. It will not disintegrate after the first fall.
The overseas retail price is US$679.
Its simplicity and ease of use soon made the "Phantom" drone the best-selling product of Wujiang Technology, quadrupling the company's revenue with almost no market investment.
The two investments that Zhang Shuo led in the early stages of budding development have become legends in the investment circle.
He is even known as one of the most successful investors.
Another example is the Fright of Winter.
In the past year or so, with the dual support of Weixin's traffic support and financing funds, it has developed by leaps and bounds and has firmly established itself as the second largest e-commerce company in the country.
As soon as Jingdong goes public, the value of Jingdong's shares held by Mei Ya will skyrocket.
In addition, there are Smartphone Industry Investment Fund, Semiconductor Industry Investment Fund, College Student Entrepreneurship Development Support Fund and Guochao Brand Support Plan Fund under the name of Sprout Investment, etc.
The cumulative investment companies have already exceeded 400, and most of them have survived, and some are still doing well.
In addition, there are investments from joint venture companies such as Haode Map.
The above investments are all added together. Although it is not a new bud, it definitely occupies a large business territory, and the total valuation has already exceeded 200 billion.
Even this was the result of Zhang Shuo's utmost restraint.
For investments that are not closely related to the budding business, such as investing in start-up companies such as Shou Shou, Zhihu, Character Jump, Bubble Mart, and UC, Fenglei Fund is involved.
Germination was not involved.
This has also led to the saying that as start-ups such as Shou Shou began to emerge, Fenglei Fund CEO Chen Lu became a Bole in the venture capital circle, and was even hailed as the angel investor with the most investment vision.
Every time you bet, you will win.
Among operating assets, the largest proportion is physical assets. In addition to the Germinal Industrial Park, there are also office buildings and other fixed assets distributed across the country.
Including electronics factories, logistics parks, wafer foundries, etc., can be classified as physical assets.
In addition, operating assets also include intangible assets. As a world-renowned large-scale group company, Sprout Group's own brand intangible assets are extremely valuable.
All of the above combined make the asset-liability ratio of Germination no more than 30%.
No wonder Cai Feijuan said she is very healthy.
Take Tengda, the company with the least money shortage, as an example. In 2021, its assets totaled 1.6 trillion, its liabilities totaled more than 700 billion, and its asset-liability ratio was 45.6%, which is much higher than the current level of Germination.
It’s no wonder that a comparison chart of “Those who owe money to the bank VS those who deposit money in the bank” has become popular all over the Internet.
Cai Feijuan nodded and took note, and suggested with a smile: "If you want to further improve cash flow, you can consider promoting the listing of subsidiaries like Qinghe Technology that are profitable but not large in scale."
With Weixin in hand, Qinghe Technology can definitely tell a good story in the stock market.
"Qinghe Technology's separate listing is not an optimal solution."
Zhang Shuo shook his head and refused, "If we really want to go public in the future, we have to bundle Qinghe Technology with Qingyun Data, Jade Bird Interactive Entertainment, etc., in order to truly gain the approval of investors."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! The business connections of the three subsidiaries are too close, and it will not be easy to promote the listing of one company alone.
What's more, say.
Zhang Shuo has planned to start the incubation work of the short video business in the second half of the year. If Qinghe Technology is listed before then, the short video business will have to be separated and a new subsidiary will be established.
It will push the current budding system into an even more bloated state.
It's really not a wise choice.
Zhang Shuo is thinking about how to appropriately merge some Internet businesses to streamline the organizational structure.
"Understood."
Cai Feijuan's expression was slightly dull.
Obviously, she has not yet reached a real tacit understanding at work with the big boss.
But in fact, Cai Feijuan thought too much.
Zhang Shuo doesn't seem to pay much attention to the big and small things that happen in the company, but in fact he knows all about them. For example, Cai Feijuan, after taking office, started to improve and transform the group's financial system while getting familiar with the work.
Very vigorous and resolute.
Some of the adjustments and changes that were planned to be implemented really made Zhang Shuo's eyes shine and he had to admire him——
“As expected of a professional!”
So overall, Zhang Shuo's first impression of Cai Feijuan was good.
I believe that in the next six months to one year, under the leadership of Cai Feijuan, the group's financial system will at least undergo a comprehensive improvement, not to mention rebirth.
This is much better than Han Mei, who only knows how to work but cannot focus on the overall situation.
It is indeed worthy of this position.
………
As soon as Cai Feijuan left, Zhang Shuo unexpectedly received a call from Xu Jia, saying that he would treat him to dinner that evening.
"It's strange that you took the initiative to invite me to dinner. Are you looking for me for something?" Zhang Shuo was instinctively wary.
"I can't come to you when I have nothing to do. Or are we no longer childhood sweethearts?"
Xu Jia, who was on the other side of the phone, couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Okay, send me the address."
Although he had already guessed that Xu Jia might be in trouble, Zhang Shuo still decided to go to the appointment. As Xu Jia said, the two were "childhood sweethearts" and there were not many people who could ask him for help.
I rushed to the restaurant in the evening and found that this girl Cai Miaomiao was also there.
It is even more clear in my heart.
Sure enough, as soon as she met Zhang Shuo, Cai Miaomiao turned into a bitch, helping to carry bags, move chairs, serve tea and pour water, and even help pick up vegetables. She served him clearly and indifferently.
"Tell me, is there anything you need me to do?"
After three drinks, Zhang Shuo finally got down to business.
"Hey, brother, you understand me."
Since starting her own business, Cai Miaomiao's level has not improved, but her face has definitely become thicker.
"No, recently Ali-Dianping and Nomi Dianping have announced that they will test the shared bicycle business. Once these two companies go out of business, what will happen to us, Meow Meow Bicycle?"
Cai Miaomiao was also really anxious.
The three giants have naturally lost their former prestige in front of Bu Ya.
But in the eyes of startups like Miaomiao Bicycle, they are undoubtedly still super giants. What's more, this time the shared bicycle business is being targeted by the three giants at the same time.
It simply doesn’t give people a way to survive.
I found Zhang Shuo because I wanted Zhang Shuo, a myth in the entrepreneurial world, to give me some advice.
"What did you think about it?"
Zhang Shuo did not rush to give advice, but looked at Xu Jia with that look.
This bitch.
As soon as he came up, he treated Cai Miaomiao as a spearman.
"Hey, Qingcheng Group, is it possible to acquire Meow Meow Bicycle?"
Faced with the pressure of the three giants, Xu Jia really didn't have the courage to fight, and the first thing he thought of was quitting. And if it could be acquired by Qingcheng Group, whether it was to withdraw with money or exchange shares, it would be a good choice.
At least it's not a loss.
"impossible."
Zhang Shuo refused directly and held out two fingers, "First, based on my relationship with Miaomiao, it is not appropriate for Qingcheng to take over the acquisition. Second, Qingcheng Bicycle is a battery bike, which is similar to Miaomiao Bicycle's business.
Mismatch."
It is impossible for him to show favoritism in this matter.
Cai Miaomiao glanced at Xu Jia first, and then said: "I, I don't agree with selling Meow Meow Bicycle either."
What's going on when you have to sell it after only half a year of work?
"Although Alibaba-Dianping and Nomi Dianping say they want to enter the field of shared bicycles, they cannot do it overnight. R&D and production will take time."
"I think we can take advantage of this window period to make Meow Meow Bicycle bigger."
"In any case, Miaomiao Bicycle is the pioneer of shared bicycles. If it can attract investment and establish an early advantage, it may not be impossible to win this battle."
Cai Miaomiao really has the aura of a newborn calf who is not afraid of tigers.
"well said!"
Zhang Shuo smiled and clapped. Miaomiao's performance really made his eyes shine.
"Ali, Tengda has a very good reputation, but it is not invincible, let alone invincible. Meow Meow Bicycle has the first-mover advantage. There is no reason why you should surrender as soon as the enemy starts fighting."
“If we first make Miaomiao Bicycle bigger and increase its market share, it may not mean that we have no chance of winning.”
"Easy to say."
Xu Jia, however, couldn't help pouring cold water on her, "Let's not talk about how far Miaomiao Bicycle can expand in the next three or four months. Even if it has the largest market share, how can it withstand the follow-up subsidies from Ali and Nomi?
A big war?"
Compared to Cai Miaomiao's impetuousness, Xu Jia is obviously more rational.
This cannot be said to be bad.
One of them is energetic and the other is calm. They are actually a good combination.
"Then it depends on where the upper limit of your ambition is." Zhang Shuo said.
"How to say?"
Xu Jia and Cai Miaomiao both looked over.
"If you are very ambitious, you can continue to attract new investors to the Meow Meow Bicycle camp through multiple rounds of financing. In the capital circle, some are not afraid of the challenges of the three giants."
If only the Big Three were so invincible.
The new forces of the original time and space, such as Tick Tock, Character Jump, and Pin Xixi, cannot become bigger.
"If your ambitions are average, you can consider selling it to Ali-Dianping after Meow Meow Bicycle reaches a certain scale. One of Nomi Dianping's companies will be very competitive in comparison."
Fortunately, the three giants are not monolithic, giving Meow Meow Bicycle room to operate.
otherwise.
It's really a dead end.
"Can we really defeat Ahri?"
Cai Miaomiao's eyes were twinkling with little stars, and her fighting spirit was burning.
"My ambition is average, not as big as Miaomiao's."
Compared with Cai Miaomiao's ambition, Xu Jia is obviously calmer, "If we can sell it to Ali-Dianping, one of Nomi Dianping's brands, and sell it for a good price, this business venture will be considered a success."
This can't be blamed on Xu Jia.
Similar thoughts or ideas are the norm in the Chinese venture capital circle, which shows how bad the three giants have made the ecological pattern of the Internet industry.
Strictly speaking.
Today's sprouts are involved in many Internet businesses and have long enough tentacles. Objectively speaking, they are actually playing a similar role.
It's just that they are more restrained than the Big Three.
otherwise.
Xu Jia would not immediately hope to sell Miaomiao Bicycle to Qingcheng Group.
"I am only responsible for analysis and how to make specific decisions. That is a matter between the two of you. You can also hold a meeting within the company to discuss and decide." Zhang Shuo did not intend to make decisions for the two of them.
Starting this business itself was an experience for Cai Miaomiao.
"Hey, brother, can you help me make an appointment with Mr. Chen from Fenglei Fund?"
Cai Miaomiao is a clever guy.
I know that no matter what Miaomiao Bicycle chooses in the future, the most important thing right now is to quickly raise angel round financing. After obtaining the funds, it will accelerate its expansion in the next three months.
Otherwise, there is no need to discuss anything.
When it comes to financing, Cai Miaomiao naturally thinks of Fenglei Fund immediately.
Zhang Shuo had given her Chen Lu’s business card before.
"If you want to make an appointment with Mr. Chen, go and make the appointment yourself. Mr. Chen and I are not very familiar with each other." Zhang Shuo's expression did not change.
"All right!"
Cai Miaomiao has no doubt that he is there.
After talking about the most important thing, the three people behind them ate very relaxedly. During the dinner, Xu Jia couldn't hold back and asked Zhang Shuo for another question: "Wu Jing, do you know?"
"I know, Kung Fu Superstar, what's wrong?" Zhang Shuo didn't react at all.
This life.
He really doesn't have the energy to pay attention to the entertainment industry.
"Well, a few days ago, Wu Jing approached Jiawei Culture and hoped that we would invest in the movie "Wolf Warrior" he is preparing to shoot. It is said to be a modern war movie, but it always feels a bit unreliable." Xu Jia said.
"You refused?"
Zhang Shuo had a strange expression.
"No, I'm still hesitating. I don't want to hear your opinion." Regarding Zhang Shuo, Xu Jia actually had a mysterious confidence in her heart.
No wonder.
Under the guidance of Zhang Shuo, Jiawei Culture has almost won many high-quality novel IP copyrights at a bargain price. Looking back now, it is undoubtedly the biggest killer in the film and television industry in the next ten years.
It also pushed Jiawei Culture to the top three domestic entertainment companies in one fell swoop.
Now I want to get involved in the film industry.
"My opinion is that if possible, it would be best to be bound to Wu Jingshen."
Emperor Jing.
That is an invincible entity that accounts for three of the top five in the total box office list. It is not an exaggeration to say that it will be the biggest surprise and the biggest IP in the Chinese film industry in the next ten years.
Totally top notch.
"Okay, as long as you say this, I will do it." Xu Jia was also decisive.
………
Next few days.
Zhang Shuo rarely went to the company, but stayed in the library and prepared his graduation thesis.
The defense will be held next week.
Thesis title - "A brief discussion on the correlation between data security and personal privacy"
Mainly based on the actual operation of the Sprout Group, it discusses various restrictive measures such as the collection, storage, analysis and utilization of personal information by the APP, and finally falls on data security.
In this area, Sprout can be said to be an industry model.
Regardless of whether it is various apps such as Weixin, Tiantian Toutiao, Pangda Live, Feixun, Qingcheng, Pinxixi, etc. under Sprout, or numerous mobile games, clear directories for collecting information are clearly listed.
Information beyond the scope of normal needs will never be collected.
This is also the bottom line drawn by Zhang Shuo.
In order to establish this rule, the Sprout Department has dealt with no less than twenty people.
This stopped the evil trend.
In fact, the concept of domestic Internet companies' protection of personal privacy has been so weak that it is outrageous, and their actions are unscrupulous, even far beyond the imagination of the outside world.
Even the third master.
They have all declared in public: "Chinese users do not care about personal privacy for the sake of convenience."
How crazy is this.
It is no wonder that monsters like Tick-Tock would be born in the original time and space.
This is not unique to China either.
In terms of personal privacy protection, overseas Internet companies, such as giants such as Washbasin.com, although they publicize that they protect personal privacy very well, in fact, they are more superficial.
The inside was equally pickled.
Whoever Washbasin wants to speak can speak, and whoever wants to be unable to speak will not be able to speak. It can selectively display information that it wants to display.
What kind of protection is this?
Because of this, Zhang Shuo wanted to let Mo Ya take the lead in setting an example instead of joining in the same trend.
Prior to this, he had specifically targeted the data security issues of Haode Map and big data familiarity issues such as camel travel, and then promoted the tightening of relevant supervision.
But this is far from enough.
Zhang Shuo has reason to believe that his paper, which systematically elaborates on personal privacy and data security, will spread to a wider range after passing the defense.
Everything that needs to be known should be known.
If we can make some contribution to the healthy development of China's Internet industry in such a way, then Zhang Shuo's purpose of writing this paper will be achieved.
Precisely because of "ulterior motives", Zhang Shuo wrote this paper extremely seriously.
You have to carefully consider every word and sentence in your paper to make sure that it expresses the meaning clearly but does not hurt someone's nerves too much.
Cause some unnecessary backlash.
………
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Brother, I really envy you!"
At noon that day, Cai Miaomiao, who had already negotiated an investment deal with Fenglei Fund, made a rare appearance in the library. She admired Zhang Shuo opposite him who was still holding a book and chewing on it.
"..."
Zhang Shuoli ignored this girl.
Cai Miaomiao didn't mind, and said to herself: "You said, as the CEO of Sprout Group, you can be so leisurely every day, just go to the library with your sister-in-law."
When Zhang Shuo was in the library, Gu Xiaoxi must also be there, which gave the outside world an illusion.
"You still have the nerve to talk to me?"
Zhang Shuo finally looked away from the book for a moment, "I heard that you often skipped classes this semester. If you fail the class, be careful that your uncle will expose you."
When Cai Miaomiao founded Miaomiao Bicycle, his uncle was initially reluctant.
The thinking is also somewhat traditional.
I believe that Cai Miaomiao, a girl, is mainly responsible for studying, not starting a business.
"Well……"
Cai Miaomiao's expression suddenly became unnatural, and she obviously knew that Zhang Shuo was not bluffing her.
"Then you, a master of time management, can you teach me how to balance entrepreneurship and studies? When I am busy in the company, I can't get away." Cai Miaomiao was really envious.
"I am gifted, you can't learn it."
In fact, in the early days of founding Bu Ya, Zhang Shuo was actually very busy. But at this stage, Bu Ya Group is on the right track, and there is really no need for him to stay in the company every day.
As long as Lu Kai, the rotating president, is in charge.
Zhang Shuo only needs to give orders on major decisions related to the group.
The tool man really hit the mark.
Of course, it is not easy to be a hands-off shopkeeper. In a place where outsiders cannot see, Zhang Shuo spends an hour every morning reading the briefings even if he does not go to the company.
In the evening, I spend two to three hours processing work emails.
Before that, I have to take time to recharge, study, and spend time with my girlfriend, and then use my free time to think about some metaphysical issues such as group strategy.
It's not really as idle as the outside world sees it.
There is no real talent, it's just other people's efforts that happen outside of your field of vision.
Don’t be fooled by top academics!
"hehe!!!"
As a pseudo-student, Cai Miaomiao naturally didn't believe it.