Third Apple founder has no regrets over selling his stake for $800

Posted on Wednesday, April 21 2010 @ 2:25 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Ronald Wayne, the third founder of Apple, reportedly has no regrets over selling his 10 percent share in the company for just $800 in 1976. Today a 10 percent stake in Apple is worth over $22 billion, but Wayne explains he wanted to get out because the startup was in debt at the time and he couldn't take any more stress.
"If I had stayed I would be incredibly wealthy but I would have wound up the richest man in the cemetery — dying of a heart attack." "The thing that made me pull out was that Jobs had borrowed $15,000 to buy the materials to make computers."

"I was in debt for $1,500 — my ten per cent of that — and I had no idea where I would get that money.

"I had enough stress in my life and I couldn't take any more. I was looking for a quiet life."

The tabloid reports Wayne, 75, who now lives on a small state pension, in a modest home in the retiree town of Pahrump, Nevada, US, had no idea Apple would become such a big company.
More details at ComputerWorld.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments