Stanford to the game

He arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, and it was clear on the horizon that nightfall was only a couple of hours away. He went down to the lower floors to check on the animation process. It was undoubtedly a big mistake to consider that he could accomplish so many activities in such a short amount of time. The Iron Giant movie would have innovations, the designs for 2D animation would be improved, and a small amount of money would be invested to create a copy of colors and tones that only watercolor could imitate, like a more precise scanner for pencil drawings.

He picked up his phone while driving, wishing he had less cumbersome earphones that would allow him to drive and talk on the phone more healthily. He dialed the number of one of the collaborators in the entrepreneurship sector, an educator who was undoubtedly a great source of support for Billy, Tom Byers, not only a proponent of entrepreneurship and business creation by Stanford students.

-Good afternoon, - came the voice on the other end.

-Good afternoon, Professor Byers, it's Billy Carson speaking, - said Billy from the line.

-Oh, look at that. Our successful student who has been missing for a year. When I saw you in the cinemas, I couldn't help but be amazed at your image on the screens. I'm somewhat terrified, - said Byers.

-Likewise, Professor. My year has been great. I can assure you that it has been very productive for the company. We have grown, and soon we will establish a television channel that competes against the major studios. I am eager for the American public to see my television programs, - said Billy.

-I've heard something about it. Raimon visits us every month. He doesn't stop saying he's the Chief Operating Officer. He recently spoke with Tina about the possibility of financing technology programs. If it's done with the help of our students, faculty, and research facilities to improve special effects machines and animation creation, - said Byers.

-That's correct. I ordered an investment for the program. I have faith that Stanford's capability is the future of my company's animation. However, as you well know, I would like to promote other areas very soon, especially those companies involved in the environment, - said Billy.

-I'm happy and grateful to have such a considerate student, both with the academy and the university, - said Professor Tom Byers, from his desk in the management faculty, while Professor Burton, sipping a cup of coffee, listened openly.

-That's precisely why I'm calling, Professor. I want to win and win. I heard that the engineering and technology sector didn't receive many investments, and only one group got funding. You see, you could offer me as your investor for a clear participation price, following the university's ethical principles, - said Billy.

Tom's ears perked up; this was something that fascinated him. He knew very well from Raimon that Billy was a millionaire. And his students, who saw failure last January, got discouraged, in a silly way. Because every company must put in a strong amount of effort and work.

-Resources... - said Tom Byers, tapping Burton and putting the phone on speaker.

-Yes, I can invest some pocket money, - said Billy.

Burton was about to respond to Billy's mention of pocket money, but he was stopped by Tom, who knew about Billy's wealth.

-Well, we have eight groups, and each group requires a minimum investment of $150,000. Could you do it? I'll take care of the legal procedures, and of course, ensure that the young people work and the invested money is not lost, - said Tom.

-Sure. No problem. However, let me review the offers. I can invest a little more in companies that interest me, maybe $300,000, or a bit more, - said Billy.

Tom's eyes sparkled with surprise.

-When can we meet, Billy? - said Tom.

-I have to conduct interviews with human resources tomorrow, I have a meeting the day after, but they can come. I'm staying at Saint Claire. They can all come, I can see them from 6 to 10 at night, today, tomorrow, and Saturday. I'm traveling to New York and then Vienna, - said Billy.

-I'll call the kids, sort everything out, and deliver the corresponding documentation, - said Tom Byers.

-You can send me all the proposals. I'll read them, and give the extra approval of funds. I suppose they manage a minimum of 30% participation. Those who do not show up can be dealt with by Raimon, who is sorting out some things with the distribution company and will be here next week, - said Billy.

Burton McMurty was already calling Steve Blank upon the funds that seemed to have fallen from the sky. Like a light in the sky, he also sent an email to Tina Seling, who had not yet arrived at the faculty, giving lectures at universities, but the investment was a prominent point. Money, even in such good environments, isn't easy to come by. Likely, the investment didn't exceed $15,000, or perhaps some parent in support invested twice that amount, but so much money is not very common.

-If we manage maximum participation of 30%, with no voting rights on the disposition of the company against the statutes but with the right to voice opinions in the board of directors regarding technical and commercial direction. I have someone who will go and take the papers to the Hotel Saint Claire later tonight, - said Tom Byers.

-Surprising, Master. However, I have a question. I want to create a company from scratch and need talent. Can you recommend some? - asked Billy, with enthusiasm.

Tom paused. - Of course. What kind of students do you need? - he asked.

-Programmers. I want to create a website. They need to be very skilled. I'm somewhat ambitious. The salary is good for a newcomer, and they'll have all social benefits, - said Billy.

-Not my area, but I can take care of that, - said Tom Byers.

Billy hummed in happiness. - We'll be in touch during these and the next few days, - said Billy.

In less than ten minutes of driving, he would arrive at the hotel. He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep because of how unpredictable business work is. Sometimes, more than three days are not enough to complete tasks, but he must do unpleasant tasks from time to time.

To his surprise, Julie was at the billiards playing games with two girls, both pretty, with a similar look to Julie's in attire, but they reminded him of the girls from San Jose University when he attended that dramatic method acting course.

He could recall the clear and solid words she dictated in her monologue for her end-of-course and the subsequent rejection in a theater play. That month, he had to engage in some interesting activities, like placing significant bets.

-There's my little darling, who went to work, girls, - said Julie.

-We know! - said one of the girls.

The dollars on the table told a sports bet story, and from the serious look on the girls' faces, there was a loss and gain on Julie's part, which continued to surprise Billy. Was she that good at billiards? The next shot from the girl missed, a tricky angle due to the spin required. Julie cleared the table in three more turns, and like a cat, she collected the bills she had won.

-It's a pleasure to be the winner of this great game. But I have to go. Until next time, girls, - said Julie, counting the bills. She grabbed Billy by the arm, knowing perfectly well that she had to flee. It wasn't about the money; it was about winning and defeating those who boasted of their skills. She played billiards on her vacations, learned from her cousins, and had the misfortune of having to perform many similar acts in some billiards.

-You're quite bold, -- said Julie, reproachfully, a bit louder than usual. - You left me alone all afternoon in a city I don't know, and on top of that, you arrive with the same tired face my father used to have after a long day at work, - said Julie.

-I have extra work, a Stanford graduate. I have to sort out some papers. It's a part-time job, but it gives me some extra money, - said Billy.

"So..." Julie asked, almost spelling out a "but" in response.

-I'm going to Vienna for three months, and I'm wrapping up some things. I almost gave up the job. It's three days of some work here and there, and I'll be doing other activities, but I'm free now. We can grab something to eat or go to the square nearby; there are some good restaurants, - said Billy.

-Lead the way, - said Julie, escaping the billiards.

...

Chapter 261 in Patreon.