Antivirus software was booming in the Western market in the early 21st century.
Its battle for market share is much more intense than the browser war between Microsoft and Netscape.
Symantec, McAfee, Avira, Norton Antivirus, Bitdefender, Kaspersky...
These are the largest online antivirus software companies in the world since the 21st century.
Even though we have not yet entered the 21st century, in the late 1990s in America, a group of antivirus software companies dedicated to network detection and elimination had quietly begun to compete with each other, using all means to suppress their opponents and seize market share.
Of course, Kyle knows how powerful McAfee will be in the future!
The world's second-largest antivirus software;
Annual turnover exceeds US$5 billion;
Globally, it has more than 300 million users;
In 2010, Intel acquired McAfee for a whopping $7.7 billion, which was Intel's largest acquisition since the beginning of the 21st century.
After entering the Chinese market, it signed an agreement with Lenovo, and the pre-installed "Dr. Peng" antivirus software also gained a great reputation.
How come Kyle had never heard of such a giant company in his previous life?
Therefore, after the Internet Exchange Summit ended that day, he commissioned private lawyer Paul Goodman to find an investigation company to conduct a detailed investigation into the current antivirus software market situation.
Within two days, Kyle received an investigation report.
"Huo!"
"It seems the most powerful antivirus software right now is Symantec. The personal version costs $99, and the enterprise version costs at least $20,000 per year. They sell quite a lot, with annual sales approaching $100 million."
"And it just received $200 million in cash from venture capital firms. This massive amount of cash is enough to allow it to beat dozens or hundreds of antivirus software companies."
After reading the information, Kyle couldn't help but sigh.
"McAfee is currently experiencing growth suppression and is facing a severe lack of liquidity. This is my opportunity to enter the market."
...
A week later.
Kyle was well prepared and began to actively contact McAfee. As Kyle expected, McAfee was extremely short of funds.
As the saying goes, "One willing to fight and the other willing to be beaten", after only a few negotiations, the two sides reached an agreement on the shareholding.
Kyle paid $10 million for a 15% stake in McAfee, 20% above the market price.
This amount of money is certainly far less than the $200 million Symantec just received, but it is enough for McAfee, which believes in a steady and cautious strategy, to overcome the current difficulties.
$200 million?
Even if McAfee were sold entirely, it wouldn't be worth $200 million!
McAfee president George Samenuk, at least, is pleased with the deal.
In the late 1990s, internet viruses weren't as rampant as they are today. But by the early 21st century, thousands of viruses were being released almost daily, wreaking havoc on users' computers. While antivirus software companies were well-known, they weren't yet a necessity online. Therefore, now is the perfect time to get started.
Kyle made a fortune by acquiring 15% of McAfee shares for $10 million!
Even if Kyle does nothing in the future, this share alone will make him a billionaire.
"Perfect!"
"I've found another gold mine!"
Kyle danced and sang at home with his hands and feet.
....
After entering mid-September, Kyle, who had not rested for a few days,
Busy work started again.
Ms. Donna, President of UPN Television Network, reported to Kyle on the "America's Got Talent" show that had just ended.
"Boss, the first season of 'Got Talent' has been completed. There are 14 episodes, with an average of 45 million subscribers per episode. The finals even generated 60 million subscriptions, which is enough to rank among the top three cable TV subscriptions in North America." Ms. Donna said excitedly.
Kyle nodded, "Then the number of subscribed members should be quite a lot, right?"
"Of course. Currently, the number of monthly subscription paying members on the UPN official website has reached 40 million." Donna said aloud.
Oh shit!
At this moment, even Kyle, who had seen many storms, was stunned!
This is all money!
The price of a monthly membership is not high, only $4, but 40 million monthly members is scary, which means that the revenue from paid members alone is as high as $160 million.
"This makes more money than advertising fees!"
Kyle immediately thought of another trump card of cable TV channel - HBO!
HBO, a Warner-owned company known for its pornographic and violent content, has pioneered an ad-free commercial broadcasting model. It relies on subscription memberships instead of advertising and makes a ton of money every year.
I have to say, the profits of variety shows are simply shocking!
In just a few months, after deducting expenses and taxes, Kyle made at least $150 million from the "Got Talent" project alone!
"No wonder, later on, whether it's America, China, or even TV stations around the world, they've been so enthusiastic about producing variety shows. It's because variety shows can make money!"
In the following time, Kyle and Donna had a chat about the future development of UPN.
TV series projects;
New variety show project;
The promotion of the UPN brand and other topics has been planned.
The next afternoon.
Kyle rushed to World Pictures without stopping.
"Hi, Shyamalan, long time no see!"
"Hey, Mr. Page, you're a rare guest. As the producer of 'The Sixth Sense', you've never been to the filming site once."
Director M. Night Shyamalan looked at Kyle with resentment.
However, for Kyle, whose face was thicker than a city wall, this was useless. "Shyamalan, what you said is too much. Although I didn't show up on the set, ask yourself, was my support strong enough? Looking at all the major film studios in Hollywood, is there any boss who supports you as much as I do?"
Suddenly, Shyamalan was speechless.
This is indeed the case. Kyle, who is listed as the producer, still attaches great importance to "The Sixth Sense".
Even though Kyle never visited the filming site, every few days he would personally check in on the filmed scenes and offer some guidance. Just for revision suggestions, Kyle wrote seven or eight work notes.
How could Kyle not take it seriously?!
Man, that was a movie that made $600 million worldwide in its original time and space!
"Alright, both of you, stop chatting and let's go into the screening room and watch the finished film."
Just then, Victor came over.
At the same time, Victor did not come alone. There was a man and a woman behind him. They were the male and female protagonists of "The Sixth Sense".
The film's leading actor: Bruce Willis;
Actress: Angelina Jolie;
Kyle's eyes were were fixed on Angelina Jolie for a few seconds. It must be said that Kyle was still somewhat interested in her.