Chapter 877
Just as Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage three times in ancient times
Lin Haoran noticed his confusion, smiled slightly, and began to explain: "Mr. Ma, what do you think a chip is?"
Ma Shimin thought for a moment and cautiously replied, "It is the core of modern electronic devices, the carrier of information, and the processor."
"Yes."
Lin Haoran nodded and slowly said, "Thousands of years ago, our Chinese ancestors carved symbols on tortoise shells and animal bones to record the auspicious and inauspicious divinations, changes in celestial phenomena, and royal decisions."
Those engravings are their attempt to interpret the laws of heaven and earth, communicate with the will of the gods, and record important information.
That was the most advanced information storage and processing technology of its time.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and continued, "Today, we use photolithography to etch hundreds of millions of transistors and circuits on a small silicon wafer to store, process, and transmit massive amounts of information."
This silicon wafer is like the tortoise shell and animal skeleton of our time; every mark on the chip embodies humanity's deepest understanding of the physical world and its ultimate pursuit of information processing.
Oracle bone script is the ancient starting point for Chinese civilization to explore the world and record wisdom; semiconductors are the core foundation for modern civilization to drive the world and process information.
Despite spanning thousands of years, both have achieved a profound convergence in their core principles regarding the fundamental function of recording and processing information.
As Ma Shimin listened, his eyes gradually brightened.
Although he is British, he has lived in Hong Kong for 16 years. He can not only speak fluent Hong Kong dialect, but has also gradually come to like Chinese culture and often reads Chinese books.
Therefore, he had naturally heard of oracle bone script, but he didn't know much about it.
The boss's analogy is not only novel, but also full of grand historical depth and philosophical implications.
By connecting the oldest wisdom of Chinese characters with the most cutting-edge modern technology, this concept immediately elevates the company's spiritual vision!
"Oracle bone script records divine pronouncements and deciphers heavenly secrets." Ma Shimin tried his best to understand the profound meaning in his Hong Kong dialect with a British accent.
"Our chip processes data and reveals patterns—it's brilliant, absolutely brilliant! This name has both profound cultural connotations and a futuristic technological feel, and it's unique and highly recognizable!"
Boss, your idea is absolutely brilliant!
The more he thought about it, the more accurate it seemed.
This name is not only catchy and easy to remember, but more importantly, it endows this startup semiconductor company with a spirit that transcends mere commercial pursuits.
It is a sense of mission and grand vision derived from the wisdom of ancient civilizations, dedicated to exploring and mastering the nature of information.
For a company aiming to reach the pinnacle of technology and hoping to leave a unique mark on the global market, such a "soul" is crucial.
"Boss, this name is fantastic!" Ma Shimin exclaimed sincerely. "Oracle Semiconductor sounds like a name with profound heritage and lofty aspirations."
It is more than just a company name; it is a cultural symbol and a technological manifesto!
I can even imagine how the media will link our technological breakthroughs with this ancient and mysterious name in the future!
Lin Haoran walked back to the sofa and sat down, smiling calmly, "Then it's settled. The registered name will be Oracle Semiconductor Co., Ltd., and the English name can be Oracle."
The relevant trademarks should be registered and protected immediately in major global markets, especially in key regions such as the United States, Europe, and Japan.
I do not wish for any future trademark disputes.
At that moment, he suddenly had an interesting idea.
As far as I remember, Oracle Corporation hasn't changed its name yet; it should be called Relational Software Corporation. If nothing unexpected happens, it should change its name in the middle or late part of this year, which is 1982.
It certainly hasn't been renamed yet, since it's only January 1982.
Since Oracle Corporation had taken up such a rich transliterated name in his previous life, he decided that in this life, he would not only take the lead in using Oracle in the semiconductor field, but also take up the English name.
Furthermore, we must also make early arrangements in the software field to thoroughly bind the technological connotations of this name with Eastern wisdom.
He had an idea and added to Ma Shimin: "In addition to the semiconductor company, register another wholly-owned software company, and name it 'Oracle Software Company' or 'Oracle Systems Company,' and use 'Oracle' in English as well."
The business scope covers database management systems, enterprise application software, etc., and trademarks are also registered and protected.
Although Ma Shimin was somewhat surprised that his boss suddenly wanted to register a software company, he agreed without hesitation because of his absolute trust in Lin Haoran's decision.
"Yes, boss, I will handle the registration and intellectual property protection for both Oracle companies at the same time."
Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction.
In this way, the Oracle brand will span the two cornerstones of future technology: semiconductor hardware and core software, making its symbolic significance and strategic depth even greater.
He can even imagine that in the future, when people mention "Oracle," they will no longer think of a certain American software giant, but rather a top-tier technology group that originates from Eastern wisdom and drives both hardware and software.
"By the way, boss, there's another crucial matter I need to consult you on," Ma Shimin said, as if he had just remembered something.
"Go on," Lin Haoran said, putting down his teacup and gesturing for him to continue.
"It's about the leadership of Oracle Semiconductor," Ma Shimin said seriously. "The company is about to be established, and technology, equipment, and funds are gradually coming in. However, a strong, visionary leader who can command respect is the key to whether the company can quickly get on the right track and achieve our grand goals."
Although I can temporarily take on the role of coordinator, as you know, my main focus in the future will be on the macro-coordination of the Galaxy Strategic Committee. At the same time, the real estate business of Hongkong Land Group also requires my considerable attention.
In the long run, I need a CEO who is fully committed, truly understands the semiconductor industry, and possesses outstanding management skills and strategic vision to lead Oracle.
Lin Haoran nodded slightly; this was exactly the issue he was also considering.
Ma Shimin was his right-hand man, skilled in capital operation, project management, and multi-line coordination.
However, the semiconductor industry is highly specialized and technology-driven, and it does require a professional who is well-versed in the field to take the helm.
His original plan was to find a top industry leader to serve as CEO.
"You have someone in mind?" Lin Haoran asked.
“We have made some initial contact and have some objectives.” Ma Shimin took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Lin Haoran.
"This is a list of more than 30 senior experts in semiconductor design, materials, processes, equipment and other fields that we have contacted globally, which I previously reported to you."
I've marked those who have clearly expressed their intention to join in red; there are twelve in total. These individuals are all highly accomplished in their respective fields; some are top technical experts, and others are seasoned managers.
Lin Haoran took the list and began to browse through it carefully.
The list was very detailed, listing each person's name, nationality, age, current position, major achievements, field of expertise, and feedback from initial contact.
The twelve people who checked the box are indeed industry elites. There is a Chinese-American materials scientist from Bell Labs in the United States, a Chinese-American engineer who once served as a process manager at Intel, a German expert who was in charge of chip design at a well-known European research institution, and a Japanese manager who served as a business unit manager at a large Japanese electronics company.
To be fair, any one of the people on this list, taken individually, would be qualified to be a core technical staff member or senior manager at a startup semiconductor company.
However, it seems that there is still a gap between them in selecting a CEO who can take overall control, be responsible for strategy formulation, team building, technology route selection, production operations, and even global market expansion.
They may have a strong technical background but lack experience in managing large, diversified enterprises, or they may have management experience but lack a grasp of the latest technological trends, or there may be a gap in cultural background and sense of identity.
Lin Haoran's gaze continued to sweep downwards, landing on the names that were "unclear in their intentions" or "in contact".
He didn't recognize most of these names. After all, his understanding of the semiconductor industry in his previous life was limited to a few giants and a handful of iconic figures.
However, just as he was about to look away, a name attracted his attention like a magnet—Zhang Zhongmou.
This name was legendary to Lin Haoran!
In his past life's memories, Zhang Zhongmou was the undisputed godfather of the future global semiconductor foundry industry and the founder of TSMC.
It was he who pioneered the professional semiconductor foundry model, completely changing the landscape of the global semiconductor industry and transforming TSMC from nothing into the world's semiconductor manufacturing giant. Its technology and production capacity have profoundly influenced the global technology supply chain and even affected the nerves of great power rivalry.
This is a legendary figure who combines vision, iron-fisted management, a strong technical background, and an exceptional business mind.
Lin Haoran immediately looked at the information about Zhang Zhongmou on the list:
Name: Zhang Zhongmou
Age: 51 years old
Nationality: Chinese American
Current position: Global Vice President of Texas Instruments Group, and General Manager of Texas Instruments Consumer Products Group.
Key Achievements: He worked at Texas Instruments for many years, holding several important management positions. He successfully led the research and development and marketing of multiple semiconductor products. He is recognized as a core management talent within Texas Instruments and is one of the highest-ranking Chinese Americans to hold senior management positions in large semiconductor companies.
Areas of expertise: semiconductor manufacturing management, strategic planning, and marketing.
Status of contact: Initial contact. The other party is cautious about joining a startup company and prefers to continue developing within a large multinational corporation.
Note: Exceptionally capable and has a broad vision, but extremely difficult to recruit; requires highly attractive conditions and a compelling vision.
"Zhang Zhongmou!"
Lin Haoran lightly tapped the name with his finger, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
Unexpectedly, Ma Shimin's team had already made contact with this future tycoon!
Although the other party's willingness seems weak at present, this precisely shows that Zhang Zhongmou, although already in a high position, may not have found a platform to fully realize his ambitions? History has changed. TSMC has not yet been born, but Oracle Semiconductor is about to emerge.
"Have you contacted this person? What was the feedback?" Lin Haoran looked up at Ma Shimin.
Ma Shimin followed Lin Haoran's finger and saw that it was Zhang Zhongmou. He nodded and said, "Yes, boss, Mr. Zhang Zhongmou is one of the potential leaders we are focusing on."
We had a very preliminary, informal exchange with him through an intermediary. He was very optimistic about the prospects of the semiconductor industry and also acknowledged our strong financial resources.
However…” Ma Shimin paused, revealing a hint of helplessness, “He has many concerns about leaving a stable and prestigious large multinational corporation like Texas Instruments to join a startup that is just starting out and located in Hong Kong.”
He believed the risks were too great and was skeptical about whether Hong Kong possessed the environment and talent pool necessary to develop a high-end semiconductor industry.
In short, he felt that while the salary and position we offered were attractive, the company's uncertainties and low probability of success were not enough to entice him.
Ma Shimin's description is very objective.
Given Zhang Zhongmou's current position at Texas Instruments and his understanding of the industry, it is entirely reasonable for him to have doubts about a Hong Kong-backed startup semiconductor company.
After all, Zhang Zhongmou is now the third-in-command at Texas Instruments.
Although Hong Kong is now a renowned international metropolis, it is more often perceived as a financial center and trading port than a high-tech hub.
This is especially true for semiconductors, a major industry that is both capital- and technology-intensive.
However, Lin Haoran laughed.
doubt?
Uncertainty?
These are precisely the barriers he can break down!
"Mr. Ma, what do you think is the chance that Mr. Zhang Zhongmou will change his mind if we personally and solemnly invite him, and demonstrate our unwavering determination, clear strategic blueprint, and support that far exceeds his expectations?" Lin Haoran asked, his tone full of confidence.
Ma Shimin was taken aback, and after thinking about it carefully, he said, "Boss, if you personally step in and can convince him that we are not just dabbling in this, but are truly going to build a world-class semiconductor company, and even paint a more magnificent blueprint than he could have imagined at Texas Instruments, then of course the possibility exists."
Although Mr. Zhang Zhongmou is cautious, he is also an ambitious and aspiring person. I heard that he has reached the limit of promotion at Texas Instruments and must be planning to leave Texas Instruments.
However, we need a sufficiently convincing bargaining chip.
"Cheers?"
Lin Haoran stood up, walked to the window, turned his back to Ma Shimin, looked at the scenery outside the window and said, "Our bargaining chip is ourselves."
He turned around, smiling, and continued, "First, funding. Tell him that Oracle Semiconductor's initial investment is not 500 million, but 1 billion US dollars!"
Furthermore, I promise that there will be no upper limit to subsequent investment based on technological development and market needs!
I want him to know that we're not betting on a single project, but investing in an era.
Ma Shimin was shocked; the boss was going all out!
Starting with a billion dollars and with no upper limit, this determination is enough to move any industry elite.
“Secondly, autonomy,” Lin Haoran continued. “I will give him the greatest trust and authorization.”
He was fully responsible for the company's daily operations, team building, and even a significant portion of strategy formulation.
He only reports to me. What I need is a marshal who can expand territory, not a general who simply follows orders.
For someone of Zhang Zhongmou's stature, absolute trust and authorization are more attractive conditions than high salaries.
This means he can truly shape a company according to his own ideas.
“Third, vision.” Lin Haoran walked back to the sofa and sat down again. “Tell him that Oracle Semiconductor will not just be an ordinary chip design or manufacturing company.”
Our goal is to become one of the core cornerstone suppliers of the future intelligent world.
What we need to participate in is not just the development of industry standards, but also the underlying architecture of the future information society.
We are rooted in Hong Kong, integrating resources and technology globally. Our goal is to create a semiconductor legend of our own in the East—a great company that can rival Intel and Texas Instruments, and even surpass them in certain niche areas.
Lin Haoran's tone was not impassioned, but it carried an undeniable certainty and a penetrating power.
He described a vision far grander than mere commercial success, a blueprint that could inspire a deep sense of mission and a desire to conquer in top talents.
"Fourth, timing," Lin Haoran added. "You can remind him that the semiconductor industry is on the eve of a major transformation."
The era of personal computers has just begun, and an even larger market is brewing.
The bureaucratic systems of large corporations can stifle true genius, but now there's an opportunity for him to build a company from scratch, embodying all his ideals. The sense of accomplishment would far surpass any step-by-step promotion at Texas Instruments.
Ma Shimin was deeply moved upon hearing this.
The boss did more than just offer conditions; he constructed a complete, highly attractive, and persuasive recruitment philosophy.
The combination of funding, power, vision, and timing directly addresses the deepest needs of top talents like Zhang Zhongmou.
"Boss, I understand!"
Ma Shimin nodded and said, "I will immediately revise the recruitment plan for Mr. Zhang Zhongmou, no, the invitation plan!"
I will personally fly to the United States with your latest instructions and sincerest invitation to have an in-depth and frank closed-door meeting with him.
I believe that with your vision and the strength and determination we have demonstrated, we have a great chance of winning him over!
"No." Lin Haoran shook his head.
Ma Shimin was taken aback.
“This time, I’ll go myself,” Lin Haoran said calmly.
"What? Boss, you're going to America in person?" Ma Shimin was somewhat surprised.
Given the boss's current status and position, it's an exceptionally high honor for him to personally fly to the United States to invite a professional manager.
Moreover, the boss just returned from the United States not long ago, and now the wedding date is approaching.
At this point, the boss actually suggested that he personally invite the other party, which was something Ma Shimin hadn't expected.
However, Lin Haoran knew that if he didn't act now, Zhang Zhongmou would be invited to Taiwan in two or three years, and then soon establish the famous TSMC company.
Zhang Zhongmou's talent has been fully demonstrated through TSMC.
He is not just a manager, but a leader who can create new business models and lead industrial transformation.
At Texas Instruments, he may have reached the "ceiling" of his career, but for a pioneer full of creativity and a desire to conquer, building a kingdom from scratch is far more attractive than serving as a high-ranking vassal in an existing empire.
What Lin Haoran needs to do is to transplant the seed of pioneering in his heart into his own Oracle Garden with more enticing soil, sunshine, and vision, before the Taiwanese side has nurtured it.
"For truly talented individuals, especially those like Zhang Zhongmou who are destined to change the industry landscape, it is worthwhile for me to make a personal trip."
This is not only to show sincerity, but also to directly exchange ideas with him in the first in-depth communication, and to establish the highest level of trust and tacit understanding.
Some words, some visions, will have a completely different effect if I tell him them in person. I want him to feel that this is not just a job offer, but an invitation to create history together.
He paused, then looked at Ma Shimin: "Besides, didn't you also say that he has reached the limit of advancement at Texas Instruments, and he may well have been thinking about seeking new challenges?"
We took the initiative to visit him, showing the utmost sincerity and the highest level of respect, directly impressing him in person. This was far more effective than any intermediary's message.
Ma Shimin thought about it carefully and realized that it was indeed the case.
A person like Zhang Zhongmou is someone who is difficult to impress by ordinary headhunters and professional managers.
However, if it is a young tycoon like Lin Haoran, who has already made a name for himself in the global business world and is known for his vision and courage, who personally visits, it conveys an extraordinary sense of importance and determination, which is a powerful signal in itself.
Add to that the boss's highly persuasive "bargaining chips," and the probability of success will indeed increase significantly.
“Boss, you’re right, I didn’t think it through.” Ma Shimin was convinced. “It’s just that you only recently returned from the United States, and your wedding is just around the corner. Traveling at this time…”
"There's always time if you squeeze it in," Lin Haoran waved his hand.
"My parents, the Guo family, and Xiaohan are taking care of the wedding preparations. There is a professional wedding planning team to plan everything. Once the general direction is set, the trip to the United States and the meeting will take at most a few days, which is enough time."
Please arrange your itinerary carefully, making it as compact and efficient as possible. Also, communicate with Zhang Zhongmou in advance to ensure he can spare sufficient time.
For Lin Haoran, if he could win over Zhang Zhongmou, what did it matter if he went there in person?
In ancient times, Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang three times at his thatched cottage to persuade him to join his cause, thus laying the foundation for the Shu Han dynasty.
Lin Haoran has now traveled across the ocean to the United States to personally invite Zhang Zhongmou to take charge of Oracle, aiming to dominate the future of the global technology industry.
This is a worthwhile investment no matter how you look at it. (End of Chapter)