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This seems like a huge problem for startups.

Like, the whole point of a startup is (often) to get bought by a big player.

But what if the big players learn all they can from due diligence presentations, then poach your tech and talent, and when you complain, it turns into a drawn-out court battle they win because they can afford $billions in legal fees but you can only afford $10's or $100's of millions?

Is there a counter? If there is no counter, why does VC exist at all? If the counter is "don't spill the beans to big companies looking to buy you out," how does any startup ever get acquired?




Apple learned the game from Microsoft, who probably learned from someone else. MS was famous for just stealing any technology they wanted.


I believe the closest counter is a breakup fee. Not a perfect solve, though.




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