Predictable Exodus: Startup Acquisitions and Employee Departures

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of high-tech startup acquisitions as a hiring strategy (“acqui-hiring”) versus traditional hiring. Using population-level data from US Census, I find that acquired workers exhibit significantly greater rates of turnover than regular hires, especially among high-earning individuals. I explore a theoretical mechanism based on the premise that, unlike regular hires who voluntarily choose to join a new firm, most acquired employees do not have a voice in the decision to be acquired. I posit that this lack of worker choice instigates organizational mismatch, thereby elevating turnover rates among acquired workers. Moreover, I document that firms learn from prior acquisitions how to effectively retain acquired employees. Together, these results elucidate the conditions under which firms can harness new talent by acquiring startups.