I found it to be an interesting claim. We&#x27;d have to look at what one buys when they get a startup. Focusing on tech, they typically get the <i>team</i> behind it, the tech itself, <i>the userbase</i>, the <i>patents</i>, and then anything else created. I think the team, users, and I.P. are most valuable components. Then, they tend to fold that into their other offerings or sometimes shelve it if it was for anti-competitive reasons.<p>So, it seems to me it&#x27;s not a financial instrument. I mean, my understanding of finance is pretty basic. There could be instruments that represent what I&#x27;m describing. What I&#x27;m seeing, though, is that they&#x27;re buying a market (users) w&#x2F; cross-selling opportunities, reduced liabilities if patents, and proven tech if they want it. It&#x27;s more like investing in themselves through a third party they&#x27;re bringing in for the enhancements they&#x27;ll provide.