Scale Box

These investors turned down Steve Jobs, yet ironically, they all ended up "backing" him as a group. The lessons remain just as relevant today as they were in 1976, when Apple was just getting started. 👇 #1 Tom Perkins and Eugene Kleiner (Kleiner Perkins) wouldn’t even meet with Jobs. #2 Bill Draper dismissed Jobs and Wozniak as "arrogant" after an associate’s initial review. #3 Pitch Johnson doubted the potential of home computers, asking, "Will people use them for recipes?" #4 Stan Veit declined Jobs’ $10,000 offer for a 10% stake in Apple, put off by Jobs’ appearance. #5 Nolan Bushnell turned down a chance to buy a third of Apple for $50,000 but connected Jobs with Don Valentine, founder of Sequoia. #6 Regis McKenna refused to make Apple's commercials in exchange for 20% equity, saying, "20% of nothing is worth approximately nothing." However, he also connected Jobs to Valentine. #7 Don Valentine was skeptical but gave Jobs key advice on management and marketing. Valentine introduced Jobs to three contacts. The third, Mike Markkula, saw potential in Wozniak's design and invested $91,000 for a 26% share, becoming Apple’s first angel investor. Markkula then persuaded McKenna to handle Apple’s publicity, leading to the creation of Apple’s iconic logo. Markkula also convinced Venrock’s Hank Smith to invest $300,000 for 10% of Apple. Eventually, Valentine himself made a small investment, believing his presence on Apple’s board would add value. 💡 TAKEAWAY #1 - It wasn’t just funding—it was the network! Steve’s persistence and his connections were essential to Apple's success in its early days.

We are thrilled to introduce Scale Box, Morocco's first incubator dedicated to helping startups grow internationally! Our mission is to empower innovative entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to thrive in the global market. What we offer: - Tailored Mentorship: Guidance from industry experts with international experience. - Funding Opportunities: Access to investors who believe in the potential of African innovation. - Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with global industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs. - Comprehensive Training: Workshops designed to equip startups with the skills necessary for international expansion. Join us as we embark on this journey to elevate African startups and unlock their global potential! 👉 Follow our page for updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved! #ScaleBox #Incubator #Startups #Africa #GlobalGrowth #Innovation #Entrepreneurship