Becoming A Wrestler

Chapter 196: 183. Spotify Investment Round & Buying Gifts



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They helped him carry his suitcase to the door, and after one final round of hugs and goodbyes, Sandro was on his way. By the time Sandro arrived at the airport, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the horizon. He checked in for his flight and made his way through security with ease, his mind already focused on the task ahead.

As he sat at the gate waiting to board, his phone buzzed with a text from Hugo, "Flight on time? Let me know when you land. We'll go over the final details before the meeting."

Sandro quickly typed back after reading the text, "On time so far. I'll call you once I'm settled at the hotel."

The flight itself was uneventful. Sandro spent most of the time reviewing notes Hugo had sent him through email about Spotify's financial projections and the terms of the investment round.

Despite his exhaustion from the previous night's match, his excitement kept him alert. This was a new challenge, a different kind of arena, and he was determined to excel as this time he would do this with his personal name, not with his father and Nexum Core backing him up.

When the plane touched down in New York, it was close to midnight. The city's lights sparkled like a sea of stars as Sandro stared out the window during the descent. He couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline, this city held endless possibilities, and he was here to seize one of them.

The following morning, Sandro met up with Hugo at the hotel lobby. Hugo, a sharp dressed man in his early forties with an air of calm confidence, greeted him with a firm handshake. "Ready for the big day?" he asked.

"Absolutely," Sandro replied, his tone resolute.

They spent the next few hours going over the agenda, fine tuning their strategy, and preparing for any potential curveballs. By the time they arrived at the venue on Wall Street, Sandro felt a mix of nerves and excitement.

The investment round was held in an upscale conference room filled with influential investors, tech entrepreneurs, and media representatives. Daniel Ek himself was there, presenting Spotify's vision for the future and outlining how the new capital would be used to expand the platform.

As Daniel Elk concluded his presentation, the room buzzed with murmurs. Investors and tech entrepreneurs exchanged glances, each trying to gauge the potential of Spotify's vision.

The promise of lucrative returns was clear, but the required investment amounts were daunting. It was apparent that only those willing to make significant commitments could truly capitalize on the opportunity.

Seated next to Sandro, Hugo leaned in and whispered, "This is it. If you're going to go big, now's the time. Being one of the top investors in the first round could secure you a substantial position moving forward."

Sandro nodded, his expression thoughtful yet resolute. He had already made up his mind. His advantage wasn't just the financial freedom he had to invest heavily, it was also his memories from his past life. From his memories and understanding of Spotify's growth trajectory, he knew the company was destined to reshape the music industry and turn its founder, Daniel Ek, into a billionaire.

Hugo glanced at him again. "With your capital and no major projects to tie it up in, this is the perfect opportunity. You're in a position most of these people aren't, flexibility and foresight."

Sandro smirked. "I know. And I'm ready."

As the first round of investment officially began, participants started cautiously. Small amounts were pledged by individual investors and companies, each testing the waters while assessing the competition in the room. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension, with every investor wanting to make a move without revealing too much.

When it was finally Sandro's turn, he stood, buttoning his tailored suit jacket before speaking into the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and confident. "Representing myself, I am committing $20 million to Spotify's first investment round."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his announcement sinking in. Eyes widened, and murmurs quickly followed. Sandro's youth was evident, and many couldn't believe that someone so young, barely in his twenties, was making such a significant investment.

Even Daniel Elk, seated at the head of the room, raised an eyebrow in surprise. His initial thought was that Sandro was either incredibly knowledgeable and bold or simply a wealthy young man eager to spend his money recklessly. Either way, the sizable investment immediately commanded respect and intrigue.

Hugo, seated beside Sandro, grinned, clearly impressed. "You've just shifted the entire energy of this room," he whispered as Sandro sat back down.

The murmurs continued, but this time with a noticeable shift in tone. Other investors were now reevaluating their positions, some inspired by Sandro's boldness, others cautious about being outshone.

Daniel Elk stood, addressing the room with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Sandro, for your generous commitment. It's inspiring to see such confidence in our vision at such an early stage. We appreciate your trust and belief in Spotify's future."

Sandro nodded in acknowledgment, keeping his expression composed, though inwardly he felt a rush of satisfaction. He knew he had just made a statement, not only to Spotify but to everyone in the room.

As the round continued, other investors began stepping up their contributions, clearly influenced by Sandro's bold move. The atmosphere grew increasingly competitive, with several companies now pledging larger amounts than initially planned.

By the end of the session, Spotify had successfully raised its target capital, and Sandro's $20 million investment remained one of the largest individual if not the largest contributions.

After the first investment round ended, Daniel Elk approached Sandro directly. "Mr. Sandro," he said, extending a hand. "I wanted to personally thank you for your confidence in Spotify. Your investment means a lot to us, especially at this critical stage."

Sandro shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Elk. I've done my research, and I believe in what you're building. Spotify has the potential to revolutionize how people consume music, and I want to be part of that journey."

Elk smiled, clearly impressed. "It's rare to meet someone your age with such vision. I hope this is just the beginning of a fruitful partnership."

"It's my pleasure," Sandro replied. "I look forward to seeing how Spotify evolves in the coming years."

As Elk moved on to speak with other investors, Hugo clapped Sandro on the shoulder. "You handled that like a pro. I've been to plenty of these rounds, and let me tell you, you just made a lasting impression."

Sandro grinned. "Good. That's exactly what I wanted."

Later that evening, Sandro and Hugo celebrated their success over dinner at an upscale New York restaurant. The city buzzed with energy around them, a perfect reflection of how Sandro felt after the day's events.

"To make bold moves," Hugo said, raising his glass of wine for a toast.

"And to secure a piece of the future," Sandro added, clinking his glass against Hugo's.

As the evening went on, Sandro couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. This was more than just a financial milestone, it was a statement of independence.

For the first time, he was stepping out of the shadow of his father and Nexum Core, carving his own path and proving that he could succeed on his own terms.

Back in his hotel room, Sandro called Nicole and April to share the news.

"You did what?" Nicole exclaimed, her voice filled with both surprise and pride.

"Twenty million? That's insane!" April added, though she couldn't hide the excitement in her tone.

Sandro laughed. "It's a calculated risk, and I'm confident it'll pay off. Trust me, this is just the beginning."

"We trust you," Nicole said, her voice softening. "And we're so proud of you. But don't forget about those gifts!"

"I haven't forgotten," Sandro promised. "I'll bring back something special for both of you."

As the call ended, Sandro leaned back against the headboard of his bed, staring out at the glittering city skyline. He knew this was just the start of something much bigger for his personal life.

The next morning, Sandro met Hugo at the hotel restaurant for breakfast. The setting was elegant but relaxed, with the faint clink of silverware and the murmur of soft conversation filling the air. Sandro sipped his freshly brewed coffee while Hugo meticulously reviewed the plans for the upcoming investment rounds.

"You've made a strong entrance," Hugo began, cutting into his omelet. "But there's more to come. Spotify will hold additional rounds, and we need to ensure you stay involved to maintain your position."

Sandro nodded, understanding the importance. "Agreed. But with my wrestling schedule, I can't attend every single one in person. That's why I wanted to meet today. I've already arranged for the necessary documents to authorize you to represent me in the next rounds."

Hugo smiled, visibly pleased. "Smart move. I'll make sure your interests are well managed. With your initial investment, you've already set the tone as one of the major players. We just need to solidify that position as Spotify grows."

Sandro pulled out a folder from his bag, containing signed agreements granting Hugo the authority to act on his behalf for the upcoming rounds. "Here's everything you'll need. I trust you to make decisions that align with the strategy we discussed."

Hugo took the folder, flipping through the documents briefly before nodding. "I won't let you down. And with Spotify's momentum, I doubt we'll face any major hurdles. You've already proven your instincts are spot-on."

They continued discussing logistics, future opportunities, and Spotify's trajectory as they finished their meal. Sandro felt a renewed sense of confidence, knowing Hugo was capable of handling things while he focused on other areas of his life.

After breakfast, Sandro decided to spend the day exploring New York and taking care of something equally important, getting gifts for Nicole and April. He wanted to show his appreciation for their support and surprise them with something thoughtful.

Before leaving the hotel, Sandro arranged for a personal chauffeur. The sleek black car pulled up in front of the hotel, and the driver, a middle-aged man with a professional demeanor, opened the door for him.

"Where to, sir?" the driver asked.

"Start with Fifth Avenue," Sandro replied.

The car glided smoothly through the bustling streets of Manhattan, and soon they arrived at one of the city's most famous shopping districts. The sidewalks were alive with tourists, shoppers, and the occasional street performer adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Sandro's first stop was a high end boutique known for its stunning designer dresses. Inside, he browsed through racks of elegant gowns, imagining how Nicole and April would look in each one. After some deliberation, he selected a few stunning pieces, opting for timeless designs in colors he knew they loved.

The sales associate, a well dressed woman with a keen eye for fashion, approached him. "Excellent choices," she said, holding up one of the dresses. "These are perfect for special occasions."

"Thanks," Sandro replied with a smile. "I'll take these."

He didn't stop there. Next, he moved to the shoe section, picking out a pair of heels to complement each dress.

After the boutique, Sandro shifted gears and headed to a few stores that offered stylish yet practical everyday items. He selected several outfits, ranging from casual clothes to chic daily wear, ensuring both comfort and style. He even picked out some sets of lingerie, focusing on quality and elegance.

"These should cover a variety of occasions," he thought to himself, pleased with the balance of practical and luxurious items. From there, he visited a jewelry store. The sparkling displays caught his attention immediately. He spent time examining delicate necklaces and earrings, eventually settling on a couple of sets that exuded understated elegance.

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Name: Alessandro Zhang

Age: 19 (2009)

Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA

Brand: FCW

Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style

Faction: Dragon Boom (Tag Team)

Championship History: 1x FCW Tag Team Champions & 1 FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion


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