In Silicon Valley, the practice of acquihiring, where large tech companies snatch up startups primarily for their talent, has long been a staple. Since early 2021, particularly in the technology industry, regulatory scrutiny, including subpoenas from former FTC chair Lina Khan targeting unreported acquisitions, put the brakes on most traditional mergers and acquisitions. This freeze left emerging AI startups struggling to secure funding or achieve exits.

A shift began with deals like Microsoft’s licensing agreement with Inflection AI, ushering in a new phenomenon, dubbed the “reverse acquihire” by the Wall Street Journal.

Unlike traditional acquihires, which often provided returns to startup investors, this trend involves big tech firms selectively hiring key AI founders and researchers, sometimes with minimal licensing deals for the startup’s technology. This approach leaves little financial benefit for the startup’s investors, often resulting in what CNBC calls “zombie startups”—companies abandoned by their core talent.

For major tech companies, this strategy addresses an urgent need for top-tier talent while sidestepping regulatory barriers. The Wall Street Journal describes the current AI boom as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” pushing firms to act swiftly to secure talent. These reverse acquihires avoid the complexities of full acquisitions, and the financial rewards for departing founders and researchers are significant, creating a benefit for both parties. But what happens to the startups left behind?

Historically, Silicon Valley startups aimed for lucrative exits, benefiting founders, employees, and investors alike. Now, with key talent being lured away, the remaining teams and investors face uncertainty. According to CNBC, this trend risks stifling innovation as founders abandon their ventures to join tech giants, undermining the startup model that has fueled groundbreaking advancements.

The long-term implications could reshape Silicon Valley startup innovation. If startups are perceived as too risky, both talent and investors may dwindle. While big tech gains immediate access to top-tier talent, the startup pipeline, which has historically been disruptive, could weaken.

The challenge lies in balancing the race for AI talent with the need to sustain entrepreneurial drive. How can founders be motivated to keep building? How can venture capital continue to flow into startups? A single high-profile IPO like Figma’s isn’t enough. Instead, Silicon Valley needs to reinvent the architecture of U.S. capital markets and create an on-ramp for IPOs with fewer regulatory constraints to foster a thriving startup environment. Then Silicon Valley and the technology sector can maintain its legacy of innovation.