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The more knowledge one possesses, the more it influences the outcome of events. Knowing the strategies of competitors in a business deal can be a game changer. Similarly, a general who learns about a rival’s battle plan gains immense advantages in devising a counter-strategy. Although knowledge may be difficult to quantify, its value is immeasurable.

In 1815, Europe witnessed one of the most famous and consequential battles in history. During the 19th century, obtaining information about distant events through communication channels was a slow and arduous process. The lack of developed roads and efficient courier services meant that news of battle outcomes or important political affairs could take weeks or even months to reach those eagerly awaiting the results.

The Battle of Waterloo, fought in the remote Belgian village of Waterloo, is synonymous today with one’s ultimate downfall. It marked Napoleon Bonaparte’s inglorious defeat at the hands of the British forces led by the Duke of Wellington. This defeat expedited Napoleon’s exile to the tiny island of Elba and lead to the decline of France’s military power for almost a century.

Joining the British forces against Napoleon were the Prussian, Austrian, and Russian armies. As these armies traversed vast stretches of European terrain, they required extensive provisioning, armament, and logistical support. This undertaking was tremendously expensive, necessitating massive funding to support the campaign.

The Rothschild banking family, renowned across Europe for providing secure funding sources for national governments, played a crucial role. The Rothschilds had established five branches of their enterprise, with the Paris and London branches being the largest and most significant. Nathan Rothschild from the London branch largely financed the final Napoleonic war, providing substantial funds to both the British and the French. The Rothschilds were famously indifferent to rulers and governments, with Nathan Rothschild once asserting, “The man who controls the British money supply controls the British, and I control the British money supply.” Their goal was to profit regardless of who wielded power or emerged victorious from a war.

Nathan Rothschild recognized that early knowledge of the Waterloo battle outcome and the severity of Napoleon’s defeat could enable him to manipulate markets and profit from the result. The family had invested heavily in field agents, fast packet ships, and carrier pigeons to swiftly deliver messages and tips.

Upon the arrival of carrier pigeons in London with specific battle results from Waterloo, Rothschild had the information he needed to begin spreading rumors. Initially, he disseminated news of the British defeat, causing investors to adjust their bond and security positions accordingly. Rothschild, on the other hand, strategically took opposing positions. He then strategically released the true news of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon, allowing the family to profit from both sides of the trades. It is estimated that the Rothschild family increased their wealth by 20 times its pre-war capital through this maneuver.

The decision to train carrier pigeons proved fortuitous and immensely profitable for the Rothschild banking house. Their ability to receive real-time information and profit from it became legendary, solidifying the perception that they were financial geniuses. Their power and wealth have multiplied exponentially over the past 200 years and continue to thrive today.

In contemporary business and finance, gaining insight into competitors’ plans and information that influences asset valuations and marketing strategies is invaluable. Governments invest billions in efforts to obtain state and commercial secrets, while private investigators are hired to gather information about the fidelity and affairs of married individuals. Information truly is power.

Entrepreneurs can learn an important lesson from the Rothschilds’ use of carrier pigeons. If a project holds genuine commercial value, it must be protected. One must assume that other individuals are simultaneously working on similar opportunities. Time is not on your side.

Whether uncovering a competitor’s plan or guarding against an adversary learning the details of your project, being the first to possess relevant knowledge allows for maximizing profit. Failing to secure this advantage can result in losing the crucial first-to-market product edge. Just as the Rothschilds obtained immense riches by learning the outcome of a battle before their competitors, entrepreneurs must diligently and expeditiously harvest every bit of available knowledge to profit from their efforts.

Knowledge is invaluable, and when utilized with diligence and speed, it has the potential to yield great rewards.

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Ihab Salloum