How Do You Follow a $7 Billion Buyout?

摘要

Carl russo became famous in tech circles in August, 1999, when his optical-networking company, Cerent Corp., was bought by Cisco Systems Inc. for $7 billion— one of the highest prices ever paid for a privately held tech company. Two years later, after helping Cisco get its optical business booming, Russo decided to retire. He wasn't looking to relax, though. He wanted to devote himself full-tune to his lifelong passion for driving Formula One-style race cars. He had taken the wheel in dozens of races and loved the adrenaline rush of flying along at 160 mph. "It was time to go racing for good," says the 48-year-old Russo.