It’s not news that larger companies sometimes buy smaller ones just to kill potential competition. For some entrepreneurs, this isn’t entirely a bad thing. You can adopt Hemingway’s advice about selling stories to Hollywood, which was to take the money at the California border and don’t look back. If you feel you’ve been adequately compensated for your idea and hard work, you may feel only a twinge to let your innovation die. And then you can move on to your next project.

But for those who care passionately about the products they have developed and the customers they intend to serve, this outcome to a “sweetheart” deal can be devastating. Here are two true, cautionary tales, and some thoughts about how you can protect yourself. Read more