Acquisition / Acquihire

Intermediate 🚀 Startup / VC

Definition

One company buying another, either for its technology and users or just to hire its talented team members—sometimes it's hard to tell which.

Example Usage

We were acquired by TechCorp for $20M, though it felt more like an acquihire since they shut down our product.

Origin

Standard business terminology; 'acquihire' emerged in the 2000s.

Fun Fact

Acquihires often destroy startup culture, with most talent departing within 18 months.

Source: Merger and acquisition terminology

Related Terms

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