Stripe Acquires Bridge for $1.1 Billion, Spotlighting Startup M&A Surge

Startup-to-startup acquisitions have become increasingly significant, with unicorns like Stripe and Infinite Reality leading high-value deals, sometimes reaching hundreds of millions or even over a billion dollars. These well-funded companies are driving a surge in private M&A activity, with a notable number of sizable, disclosed transactions in the past year. Technological advances are also reshaping the M&A landscape, as the adoption of virtual data rooms and digital collaboration tools has streamlined due diligence and accelerated dealmaking. These platforms allow for efficient, secure sharing of information and real-time stakeholder engagement, enabling companies to manage multiple offers and optimize outcomes. Additionally, large technology firms and unicorns are using acquisitions not only to expand capabilities but also to strategically position themselves in competitive markets. The evolving nature of M&A reflects both the growing maturity and strategic ambitions of major startup players and the transformative impact of digital tools on the transaction process.