Overview
Identify opportunities created when large companies acquire startups, potentially leading to a loss of innovation or focus in the acquired company's original product or service.
Company examples
- Instagram - Acquired by Facebook, maintaining its brand but losing independence
- Waze - Bought by Google, integrated into Google Maps while keeping some distinct features
- LinkedIn - Purchased by Microsoft, retaining its identity but aligning more closely with Microsoft's ecosystem
Questions to consider
- Which successful startups might be at risk of losing their innovative edge after being acquired by larger companies?
- How can we create a product or service that fills the gap left by an acquired company that has lost its original focus or quality?
How to cite
Faster Than Normal. “Acqui-Deaths Framework.” fasterthannormal.co/business-frameworks/acqui-deaths. Accessed 2026.