As established companies look to remain competitive and extend their life cycle, acquisition becomes a more viable and attractive strategy. Not the only one1, but surely the fastest route in a world when time is the most valuable resource. M&A deals are a boon for startups as well. No exit, no party, as we’re used to saying. While launching a thriving self-supporting business is still the end-goal for any startup, a buyout from a large company can render that problem irrelevant—or at least less urgent. And return the capital to investors, hopefully with a decent multiplier, thus, M&As are a key component of the startup economy.