Orphan To Unbreakable Queen - Chapter 170: Chapter 170

Aubree took over at this point. "I'm sure you're all aware of GrabCheap's target demographic. We're focused on the underserved, price-sensitive segments of the e-commerce market, prioritizing affordability and convenience. In today's saturated e-commerce landscape, there's no room for us in the established spaces. Therefore, we're aggressively carving out our niche in those overlooked and untapped areas.
"For us, the users are our top priority. Everything else is secondary. Our model can only truly thrive with a large user base, and current statistics show we're excelling at this. Even now, our user base continues to grow by tens of thousands. With users on our side, everything else will naturally follow.
"It has only been a few months from our inception to full operation, yet in that short span, we have already delivered these impressive results. This is the strongest validation we can present to investors."
The three representatives from Manchotech looked pleased as they exchanged knowing looks.
"But as far as we know, even with your seemingly substantial user base, your company is still operating at a loss, isn't it?"
Aubree admitted frankly. "Unfortunately, yes."
The Manchotech executives were surprised by Aubree's candor. This admission would not work to GrabCheap's advantage.
Aubree continued confidently, "Nothing is absolutely perfect. In the early stages, investments may not give immediate returns. I'll be honest upfront. We're losing money now, and we'll keep losing money in the short term. But I believe that's nothing to worry about. Think of it as constructing a building. When you invest in quality foundation materials and make the foundation very strong, you will be able to build a tall, stable building that can withstand any winds of change."
The Manchotech executives exchanged approving glances. Had Aubree shown even the slightest hint of evasiveness, defensiveness, or nervousness in response to their point, they would have to reconsider the partnership.
If Aubree herself wasn't confident in her own project, how could she possibly convince investors to pour money into it?
Aubree added, "As our former collaborator, I'm sure your data corroborated our explosive growth. And that was purely the result of our unilateral early-stage investments. With Manchotech as the vanguard of social media, our collaboration will only amplify these statistics exponentially.
"Right now, our marketing is all online. But after this round of funding, you'll see our ads everywhere, on TV, buses, and subways."
Aubree presented her strategy eloquently. While she had capital, there was no shortage of deep-pocketed competitors. She knew that going solo wouldn't be enough for GrabCheap to secure a significant share of the e-commerce market.
Birgitte then switched to the next slide.
Aubree gestured to the screen and said, "Take a look. These are our latest figures. Our user base is doubling almost daily, and both our order placement and fulfillment rates are remarkably high. These are confidential statistics that have never been shared publicly. Aside from our internal team, you're the very first to see it. I believe this demonstrates our sincerity in this partnership.
"You have the capital, the extensive reach, and the talent. We bring innovative ideas and a disruptive business model. If we join forces, it's a win-win scenario."
The Manchotech executives were taken aback at what was shown on the screen. They had severely underestimated GrabCheap. If this collaboration were to go ahead, calling it a multi-billion-dollar venture would be a gross understatement.
"Are these numbers for real?" one of the Manchotech executives asked skeptically.
The Manchotech executives expressed their skepticism as such results were unprecedented.
Aubree reassured them, "Every single figure we presented is 100% authentic! Who in his right mind would show his hand for others to scrutinize at will?" The outside world wasn't optimistic about her project due to its controversial nature.
Therefore, all eyes were on her, just waiting for her to fall from grace and eager to have a good laugh at her expense.
Aubree then handed over a report detailing GrabCheap's latest data and updated strategic plans.
By now, Aubree could tell that the Manchotech executives were almost convinced by her sales pitch.
She was confident that once they had reviewed this final report, they would be won over, unless they were buffoons.
The Manchotech executives pored over the new report in their hands solemnly. If all the ambitious plans outlined within truly came to fruition, this would undoubtedly be an immensely profitable partnership for them.
The leading executive, Dmytro Svystun, was the head of Manchotech's investment division. The fact that Manchotech sent this fellow was an indication of how seriously they regarded this potential partnership with GrabCheap. In fact, their management had already agreed internally to proceed with the collaboration prior to this. The only question was the investment amount, which hinged on Aubree's overall presentation.
At this point, it was clear that they could confidently proceed to offer Aubree their full support.
Aubree waited quietly for their response. According to her sources, Manchotech had set a limit of a billion dollars for her project. However, how much they would offer her eventually hinged entirely on this meeting.
She estimated that if she could secure at least 500 million for this round, the next phase of GrabCheap's development could kick into high gear. Her team could then launch a full-scale marketing blitz across all channels. This will catapult GrabCheap to unprecedented success!
"Ms. Miller, by approaching Manchotech for a collaboration, you must be aware that we prioritize long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. The initial investment does not mean future funding is assured," Dmytro explained.
He had finished reading the report. To be honest, from his perspective, he initially thought GrabCheap had some potential but not enough to eclipse the established e-commerce giants. After all, there had been other opportunistic ventures like this in the past. Not long ago, there was one that focused on women users but which had since sunk into oblivion.
Besides, it was only because Aubree had the backing of the Turner Group that they were willing to consider working with her.
The one billion budget they had earmarked was just for show initially. Based on Dmytro's initial analysis, he would have invested no more than two hundred million.
But after seeing these numbers, Dmytro completely changed his mind. He thought, "Anyone who doesn't invest in this project is an absolute fool!"
"This is a remarkable project. I find it hard to believe it originated from an 18-year-old," Dmytro said sincerely.
"You young people already have such vision at your age. You will accomplish great things! And in the future, when people talk about this, they'll say I, Dmytro Svystun, have a pretty sharp eye for investments myself!"
He then laughed heartily. As an investor, he always found backing promising talent far more fulfilling than simply pouring money into projects.
How did Bowen Turner achieve so much at such a young age? It was the same reason. He invested in projects which he regarded as having good prospects, no matter what others think, and nearly every one of them had succeeded. Many of the talents he invested in came from humble beginnings.
Finally, Dmytro announced, "One billion. That's the first round of investment.
"The terms of the contract need to be revised. If your project continues to deliver results as outstanding as those outlined in your proposal, Manchotech will inject 2 billion in the second round!"
Dmytro was only authorized to approve investments amounting to one billion. The subsequent two billion would require approval from the upper management. Nevertheless, he was confident that once he brought this report back, his superiors would agree with his decision.
Aubree beamed knowingly. She could tell that Manchotech's offer for the second round was a hint to her to give Manchotech first dibs on all her future projects.
However, this was not necessarily a bad thing for her.
"Mr. Svystun, while I appreciate your faith in us, I'm afraid I can only offer you a 10% equity stake," Aubree clarified.
The expressions on the Manchotech executives froze…