PayPal might not be looking to sell itself, report
PayPal may not be in talks to be acquired, sources have told Semafor, after a previous news report that Stripe was sniffing around.
M&A
Anthropic acquires computer-use AI startup Vercept after Meta poached one of its founders
Seattle-based Vercept developed complex agentic tools, including a computer-use agent that could complete tasks inside applications like a person with a laptop would.
AI data labeler Handshake buys Cleanlab, an acquisition target of multiple others
The deal’s purpose is primarily to acquire talent, aka an acqui-hire, adding nine key Cleanlab employees to Handshake’s research organization.
OpenAI to acquire the team behind executive coaching AI tool Convogo
OpenAI is acquiring the team behind executive coaching AI tool Convogo in an all-stock deal, adding to the firm’s M&A spree.
ServiceNow to acquire cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75B
The deal is expected to yield significant returns for Armis investors, including Sequoia, CapitalG, and Insight Partners.
Alphabet to buy Intersect Power to bypass energy grid bottlenecks
Alphabet is set to pay $4.75 billion in cash, plus debt, for the data center and clean energy developer.
Bending Spoons agrees to buy Eventbrite for $500M to revive stalled brand
The acquisition price for the events marketplace is a fraction of the $1.76 billion valuation it achieved during its 2018 IPO.
Sources: Gusto paid $600M to acquire Guideline, plans to divest customers linked to rivals
While the HR Tech Guideline was last valued at $1.15 billion, the sale will likely yield a profit for most investors.