Google's $23 Billion Wiz Acquisition: A Game Changer for Startups and VCs?
Techcrunch3 months ago
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Google's $23 Billion Wiz Acquisition: A Game Changer for Startups and VCs?

startup
venturecapital
M&A
cybersecurity
Google

Summary:

  • Google's potential $23 billion acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz could be the largest acquisition in Alphabet's history.

  • This deal could revitalize the startup M&A market, providing a much-needed catalyst for more exits.

  • While the acquisition may not solve the liquidity crunch facing late-stage startups, it could boost venture fundraising by increasing LP confidence and providing VCs with more leverage.

  • The success of Wiz, a young company with a massive exit, could inspire investors and founders, creating a 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) and driving deal activity.

  • The future of the deal remains uncertain, but if it goes through, it could be a game changer for the venture market.

Google's $23 Billion Wiz Acquisition: A Potential Game Changer for Startups and VCs?

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for a whopping $23 billion. This could be Alphabet's largest acquisition ever and a massive exit for a startup in a market where M&A activity hasn't rebounded as predicted.

Potential Impact on Startup Exits and M&A

Angela Lee, a professor at Columbia Business School, believes this deal could be the catalyst needed to revitalize the startup M&A market. The sheer size of the acquisition, she argues, could encourage other companies to take the plunge and finally start making acquisitions. This could be especially relevant considering the current lack of IPOs, making M&A a more attractive exit strategy for startups.

However, Lee cautions that this deal, while potentially a positive sign, won't solve the liquidity crunch facing late-stage startups. Only a handful of companies have the financial resources to match Google's acquisition size.

Venture Fundraising and LP Confidence

This acquisition could also boost venture fundraising. Brian Borton, a VC and growth equity partner at StepStone, highlights the current hesitation among LPs to deploy capital due to the lack of exits and the long holding periods typical of venture investments. This deal, especially with Wiz's young age (only 4 years old), could demonstrate the potential for quicker returns and rekindle LP interest in venture investments.

Lee further suggests that this deal could give VCs the leverage they need to secure funding. The prospect of quicker exit timelines, fueled by potential M&A activity, might incentivize LPs to return to the market.

Driving Early-Stage Deal Activity?

While the impact on early-stage deals might be less pronounced, the rapid growth and substantial exit of a young company like Wiz could inspire investors and founders. Justin Izzo, a lead data and trends researcher at DocSend, acknowledges that interest rate cuts would likely have a more significant impact on early-stage deals. However, the success of Wiz, particularly its young age, could create a 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) and drive deal activity.

Ultimately, the future of the deal remains uncertain. It could face antitrust scrutiny or even fall through. However, if it goes through, it could be the spark that reignites the venture market and generates much-needed movement.

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