US FTC Reviews Big Tech's Talent Acquisition Deals Amid Antitrust Concerns

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating 'acqui-hire' deals where big tech firms hire startup employees and acquire technology without purchasing the companies outright, a practice seen as a way to avoid antitrust scrutiny. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated the agency is examining these deals to ensure compliance with merger review processes. Recent examples include Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon hiring key startup personnel. The scrutiny follows increased antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration, while a Supreme Court case may affect agency independence.