Maximize Interest, My Money Grows Infinitely

After sending off Wu Dongyi, Chen Cheng dialed Wen Shulin's phone.

"Hmm?"

Chen Cheng stood by the window, "Well, I met the people from Chuang Neng."

"How is it?"

"It's alright, quite standard." Chen Cheng paused, "However, I am actually quite interested in New Energy Power."

Wen Shulin asked, "I haven't even contacted them for you yet, how come you're interested?"

Chen Cheng recounted all the reasons and asked, "So this Professor Zhang Qiming, how much do you know about him?"

Wen Shulin pondered for a moment, "Zhang Qiming, a titan in the field of material science, has conducted extensive research in the area of Niobate Battery and has won numerous national awards. He tends to keep a low profile and is entirely focused on research. What's up, do you have questions about him?"

"I'm a bit curious, how did he end up joining a startup company like New Energy Power? Given his credentials and achievements, he should have plenty of better options." Chen Cheng voiced his doubts.

Wen Shulin chuckled lightly, "This is something you might not know, Zhang Qiming has always wanted to commercialize his research results, but has struggled to find a suitable platform.

The CEO of New Energy Power, Li Mingyuan, previously worked at EP Power, has a deep understanding of the new energy industry, and possesses strong business acumen.

He painted a beautiful vision for Zhang Qiming, promising ample funding and resources to support his research, which moved Zhang Qiming."

Chen Cheng nodded slightly, somewhat agreeing with Wen Shulin's explanation, but feeling that there might still be some undisclosed hidden stories.

"From what you say, Li Mingyuan indeed has foresight and determination. But New Energy Power currently raised 780 million, selling 20% of shares, this valuation in startups isn't low, do you think this price is reasonable?"

Wen Shulin was silent for a few seconds on the other side of the phone, "In terms of technical potential, once Niobate Battery is commercially scaled, its prospects are limitless, so the valuation isn't completely unfounded.

However, as you learned, they are facing many challenges at the moment, such as technology conversion, market promotion, and raw material supply issues that need to be resolved. If these issues aren't properly handled, the valuation might seem a bit high."

Chen Cheng thought again, "By the way, I heard that New Energy Power previously applied for a government subsidy related to the development of the new energy industry but didn't get approved, the amount is around tens of millions, do you know the reason behind this?"

Wen Shulin was silent even longer this time, "This matter is actually quite complex. From what I know, the subsidy New Energy Power applied for was originally very likely to be approved. Their technological capabilities and project prospects are quite outstanding among many applicants."

"So what changed later?"

The problem arose in a critical document."

Wen Shulin sighed, "When New Energy Power submitted the application materials, there was a dispute regarding a proof document about the ownership of technical patents. Although they have consistently claimed that the technology patents are fully owned by the company, other parties have raised objections, claiming that some core technologies have unclear ownership."

Chen Cheng frowned, "So is the core technology actually New Energy's?"

"That's precisely where the problem lies."

Wen Shulin's tone conveyed a bit of helplessness, "From what I understand, some of New Energy Power's core technology originates from Professor Zhang Qiming's early research results, while another part was independently developed by the company after he joined. The party raising the objection is the research institution where Professor Zhang Qiming previously worked."

Chen Cheng immediately understood the crux of the issue. "So, the institution where Professor Zhang previously worked believes that some of the technology used by New Energy Power actually belongs to them?"

"That's one way to put it."

Wen Shulin said, "Although Professor Zhang has joined New Energy Power, the issue of intellectual property rights regarding his previous research results at the research institution might not have been fully clarified. This has led to disputes over the ownership of technology patents when applying for government subsidies."

"Did New Energy Power and the institution where Professor Zhang previously worked have communication and negotiation over this issue?" Chen Cheng pursued.

"Of course."

Wen Shulin said, "Both parties have communicated multiple times but have not reached an agreement. The research institution insists that part of the core technology used by New Energy Power should have shared intellectual property rights and demands corresponding economic compensation. On the other hand, New Energy Power believes these technologies have undergone independent development and improvement by the company and fully belong to the company."

"So, because of this dispute, the government department did not approve New Energy Power's subsidy application?" Chen Cheng asked.

"That's exactly right."

Wen Shulin continued, "To avoid entanglement in intellectual property disputes, the review committee ultimately decided to postpone approving New Energy Power's subsidy application until they can provide clear proof documents regarding patent ownership."

Chen Cheng pondered for a moment, thoroughly understanding the stakes involved.

He thought again, "So besides money, is this the reason why you are observing New Energy Power this time?"

"Yes, patent ownership is like a ticking time bomb, potentially causing significant trouble for New Energy Power at any time." Wen Shulin admitted, "If they end up in legal proceedings later, it will be a big problem not only for New Energy Power but also for HCG."

"In addition, with the niobium ore now unavailable, I am somewhat hesitant." She continued, "However, I do have confidence in this technology."

Chen Cheng nodded, "Then I want to meet with this Professor Zhang, can you help arrange it?"