Even small start-ups today have the potential to challenge the big tech giants – new apps and online platforms often become viral "overnight", gain considerable market share and post record numbers. The established market giants then submit lucrative so-called "exit offers" to start-up founders to bring the latest trends under their control. But are such transactions sometimes more about getting rid of annoying competition than offering users innovative services? What framework does competition law set for companies with a strong market position when buying start-ups and how do start-ups deal with such – sometimes "deadly" – exit offers?
These and many other exciting questions were discussed at our last rooftop.talk powered by Stadler Völkel Rechtsanwälte (Moderation: DerBrutkasten). The rooftop.talk #13: 'Killer Acquisitions and Competition Law - Do start-up transactions hinder innovation and competition?' took place on 13 August 2020.
Our panelists have been:
- Dr. iur. Teresa Eckhard, LL.M., employee of the Federal Competition Authority
- Jakob Reiter, Partner at The Ventury
- Mag. Florian Prischl, Lawyer at Stadler Völkel Attorneys at Law
Moderation: Dejan Jovicevic, DerBrutkasten
