Thursday, November 15, 2012

MARRIAGE/ENTREPRENEUR SPECIAL...To newlyweds and entrepreneurs : A speech equally suitable for both!



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To newlyweds and entrepreneurs
: A speech equally suitable for both!

I am pleased to witness the entrepreneurial vowels of co-founders ZH and SS.  As an angel investor in ZH and SS, I hereby recite my investment memo in their matrimony.
Getting married is a lot like starting a company.  This kind of commitment requires similar aspirations, goals, values, and affinity for each other.  In the past few years, ZH and SS were almost inseparable, and all of us feel their were made for each other.
Just being a good fit is far from enough, good co-founders need to fully tolerate and trust each other.   Without trust and tolerance, even superstar co-founders (like Apple and Microsoft’s co-founders) may not stay together.  So my advice for ZH: whenever you have a disagreement, she should decide the little issues, and you can decide the big issues.  What issues are big?  Well, if you love each other, nothing is a big deal.  And my advice for SS: there should be equality between men and women.  So whenever you agree with each other, you make the call.  And whenever you disagree with each other, he makes the call.  This commitment will bind you forever with each other.
Marriage and entrepreneurship both require passion.  Good entrepreneurs need to be deeply in love with their products.  I hope you will love each other like great entrepreneurs love their products, like the way Steve Jobs loves Apple – every speech he gives about Apple is full of love.  Just like Steve, never let anyone attack your love.  If they do, do what Steve would do: launch thermonuclear war on them!
Good husbands, wives, and entrepreneurs are committed dedicated, and detail-oriented.  ZH and SS: You both have enviable jobs, but you must devote enough quality time to each other.  ZH: reduce your work hours, don’t go drinking every weekend.  Your poetry cannot stop with the ceremony.  Every year, you owe your lovely bride three poems, on her birthday, Valentine’s Day, and your anniversary.  SS: As your job takes you around the world, make sure you “wechat” with your handsome groom.  Bring him a present from every country, and make sure you snuggle with him when you return.  ZH may want people to think he is tough, but he has a delicate heart, and cares about every drop of detail in what you do for him.
As ZH’s 10-year friend, I am able to author and sign a great due-diligence report, guaranteeing that he is your bluechip.  As your angel investor, I am willing to offer an unprecedented reverse hedge, guaranteeing the happiness of this marriage.
Today’s beautiful founding is just the beginning.  In a few years, I anticipate an IPO, the birth of a new company.  An your IPO party, I look forward to holding in my hand the fruit of your love.

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