Apple’s original founding document, signed by Jobs, surfaces; may fetch ₹36 crore
In a fascinating turn of events, a piece of history has resurfaced, and it’s related to one of the world’s most valuable companies – Apple. A three-page document that helped create the original version of Apple has surfaced, and it’s expected to be auctioned for a staggering amount of approximately ₹36 crore. This document is a significant part of Apple’s history, and its emergence has sent shockwaves of excitement among tech enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike.
The document in question is an agreement signed by Apple’s founders – Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. This agreement, dated April 1, 1976, outlines the initial stakeholding of each founder. As per the document, Jobs and Wozniak were each allocated a 45% stake in the company, while Wayne was given a 10% stake. However, as we now know, Wayne’s involvement with Apple was short-lived. He withdrew his support from the company and sold his stake for a mere $2,300.
The significance of this document cannot be overstated. It marks the beginning of Apple’s journey, which would go on to revolutionize the tech industry. The fact that it’s signed by Jobs, Wozniak, and Wayne makes it a rare and valuable piece of history. For collectors and enthusiasts, this document is a holy grail of sorts, offering a glimpse into the company’s humble beginnings.
The auction of this document is expected to generate immense interest, with many potential bidders likely to be tech companies, museums, and individual collectors. The estimated price of ₹36 crore is a testament to the document’s historical significance and rarity. It’s worth noting that the sale of this document will not only be a significant event for Apple enthusiasts but also for the broader tech community.
The story of Apple’s founding is well-known, but it’s worth revisiting in the context of this document. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, two college dropouts, started Apple in Jobs’ parents’ garage. Ron Wayne, who had previously worked with Jobs at Atari, was brought in to help the duo establish the company. However, Wayne’s involvement was short-lived, and he soon sold his stake to focus on other ventures.
The document’s emergence has also sparked interest in Ron Wayne, the lesser-known co-founder of Apple. Wayne’s decision to sell his stake for $2,300 has been widely reported, and it’s often cited as one of the most significant missed opportunities in business history. If Wayne had retained his stake, he would have been a billionaire today, given Apple’s current market valuation.
The auction of Apple’s founding document is a reminder of the company’s humble beginnings and its journey to becoming one of the world’s most valuable companies. It’s a testament to the vision and innovation of its founders, particularly Steve Jobs, who played a crucial role in shaping the company’s early years.
As the auction approaches, there’s likely to be significant interest in the document from various quarters. Tech companies, museums, and individual collectors will likely be among the bidders, each hoping to own a piece of history. The sale of this document will not only be a significant event for Apple enthusiasts but also for the broader tech community, offering a glimpse into the company’s early days and the vision of its founders.
In conclusion, the emergence of Apple’s original founding document is a significant event that highlights the company’s rich history. The document’s auction is expected to generate immense interest, and its sale will be a significant moment for the tech community. As we look back at Apple’s journey, it’s clear that the company’s early days were marked by innovation, vision, and a willingness to take risks. The sale of this document will be a reminder of those early days and the significance of Apple’s contribution to the tech industry.
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