Acquired · Microsoft Volume I: The Complete History and Strategy of founding through Windows 95
Founders · Sep 23How Bill Gates Works
MITS forecast 800 Altair customers a year and sold thousands in the first few months. Its exclusive BASIC sublicense led to a lawsuit that nearly killed Microsoft, and its fear-driven culture showed Gates what to avoid.
Tips
- Gates refused to sign the MITS contract without a best efforts clause, and it later saved Microsoft▶ 36:37The arbitrator confirmed Microsoft owned its source code, and money came in from five or six clients within weeks.
- Gates saw that a new product's market is usually far larger than anyone forecasts▶ 25:46MITS sold thousands of Altairs in its first few months against a forecast of 800 a year.
- Gates wanted people to fight back and respected those who overcame his skepticism▶ 56:51Paul Allen said Gates liked it when someone pushed back and drilled down to get to the best solution.
