Acquired? Acqhired? Term doesn't mean much lately. I guess we needed a sexier way to say "I got a job"... Or are situations like this really more like an acquisition? Did any investors recoup their investment?
The vernacular is 'acquihired'. Haven't made Crunchbase so probably hanging between the Angel and the Seed round.
I find these interesting exits from the perspective of the employment strategy game. Lets say you want to get a job at one of the 'big names', you now have an option of going to YC or an equivalent, doing the incubation thing, working your buttocks off to deliver a product, and then you have someone (your angel investor) in your court trying to get you acquired by one of them.
Not trying to imply that these guys did this, its just an interesting way to get hired. Sort of like the 'please-hire-me' web site but more work.
I expect a number of these since there are a lot of folks between Seed and A, with questionable velocity to reach orbit.
As a hiring organization I wonder how these folks play out longer term, having tasted the startup life are these folks easier or harder to retain? Do they work more or less than folks who came through the 'regular' route? What is there impact on the existing teams. Etc.
Preparing well for your interview and applying directly is much more efficient. I'm sure most entrepreneurs want to salvage they're failing startups and are eager to quit for the next venture as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Efficient? Sure.. but I've been assuming that to make the founders feel like they've earned the term 'Acquired' that these things come with at least some sort of cash/signing-bonus that gives the whole thing an air of legitimacy. Also, I wouldn't be quick to suggest the startups are failing in these situations. It seems like plenty of them are barely getting started.
I don't mean to be a hater, but does every acquisition story have to have a comment like this? If you want to congratulate them, use email or a phone call! If you want to show that you know them personally, please realize that bit of information doesn't contribute to the discussion. A semi-anonymous comment on HN will not make them feel particularly special or appreciated, and is not required by etiquette either.
Sorry, I just had to speak up in my personal bit effort
to try and keep this a meaningful place.
Actually lightweight but pleasant comments seem to be harmless. It's lightweight but mean or stupid comments that are the problem. As in the physical world.
