The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest

Andy Kasper begins to feel increasingly disillusioned with his career in marketing. This dissatisfaction sets him on a quest for deeper meaning and purpose in his professional life.

Andy arrives at the LaHonda Research Institute to take charge of an ambitious new project. He is tasked with leading the development of a groundbreaking computer known as the PC99, which is aimed to be priced at only $99.

During his time at the institute, Andy encounters Alisa, an alluring artist whose mysterious presence deeply captivates him. Alisa's influence begins to inspire Andy as he navigates his new venture.

Andy gathers a quirky team of colleagues to assist in the project. This group includes Salman, a skilled hacker, Tiny, who struggles with anthropophobia, and Darrell, an imposing germaphobe.

The team sets out to develop the PC99, initially aiming to strip the computer down to its core components to reduce costs. However, they quickly realize that their task is more complicated than anticipated.

Salman presents the innovative idea of delivering software via the internet. This proposal inspires the team and leads them to visualize a more streamlined version of the PC99, minimizing its hardware components.

Facing rising costs, Andy looks to his dreams for inspiration about the PC99. He imagines using a holographic projector instead of a traditional monitor, a concept that resonates with the entire team.

Darrell suggests swapping out traditional input devices for virtual reality gloves, pushing the team closer to their goal. Their concepts evolve as they start to approach the completion of the PC99.

Suddenly, LaHonda halts all funding for the project, leaving the team in disarray. In response, the team makes the drastic decision to resign en masse, with only Tiny continuing to work on the coding.

Despite their resignations, the team decides to sign non-exclusive patent waivers. This allows LaHonda to claim rights over any innovations developed during their tenure at the institute.

The team embarks on a marketing journey with their prototype named emagi. They face a barrage of rejections as potential investors criticize its design and report numerous technical glitches.

As Andy’s relationship with Alisa deepens, she offers to use her artistic skills to improve the visual appeal of the emagi. Her contributions significantly boost the project’s market viability.

With Alisa’s design enhancements, the team successfully pitches the emagi to the executive team. They strike a groundbreaking deal wherein Alisa acquires a substantial stake in their venture.

In a surprising turn, Alisa sells patent rights to Francis Benoit, who plans to launch the emagi at an inflated price. This decision triggers tension within the team as they face ethical dilemmas.

As Benoit prepares to unveil his invention, the team interrupts his presentation with a revolutionary new device. Their compact silver tube exhibits unparalleled technology, reminding everyone of the foundations of their creativity.