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There are some large companies that get deep into technical due diligence, and go as far as signing letters of intent, only to take the ideas and implement the tech themselves. Watch out.

Also, NDAs are almost unenforceable. If you don't trust the people across the table, don't share sensitive information.

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I'm remembering a post here on HN some time ago from someone that experienced that...

Demo'ed their tech to "big co" in the hopes of partnership/acquisition.. nothing came of it then 6 months later Big Co. released their own version of the exact same thing...

Be careful.

My startup is currently discussing with a prospect/potential acquirer that was very clear about this: "We'll do it, with or without you, so you'd better accept our under-priced offer". I'm not aware of any option to prevent any company to do that, is there?

This was my exact reaction. NDAs are effectively pointless unless you have the financial resources to go to war with it when it is breached.

This is relevant for such a small company in stealth mode.

Worth noting one other point. Investors. They are unlikely to support "go to war" strategies with strategic buyers.

They may need realtionships with that company for other resons (supplier or customer of another investment, potential future exits, recruiting, etc).

So its really best to win by not needing to fight.

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