Startups’ exit strategies in the market for technology: when to pull the plug

A key consideration in entrepreneurial decision making is whether and when to find a collaboration partner, in the form of an acquirer. The same decision also applies to the other side of the table, as buyers have to decide whether and when to engage in technology acquisitions through collaborations with startups. We look at the literature that uncovered some of the factors around the key decision of the timing of a collaboration, with specific focus on technology startups that also possess patents.