In the narrative surrounding NeXT's development, Ross Perot played a significant role by not only providing financial support but also offering valuable insights. His famous quote about horses and riding them encapsulated his belief in empowering the NeXT team, emphasizing that he was placing his trust in their abilities to succeed. Perot's faith in the group was a motivating factor as they navigated the challenges of building a new computer platform.

Beyond his financial contribution of $20 million, Perot's spirited nature and quotability added a unique flavor to the NeXT venture. His engagement with Steve Jobs and the team underscored the importance of leadership and vision in tech development. This combination of financial investment and inspirational presence proved to be almost as crucial as the funding itself, pushing the team to strive for success in their ambitious projects.