// startup autopsy
PeakStream
Parallel computing pioneer acqui-hired before launch
acquisition gone wrongAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: The company's core parallel computing technology was so strategically valuable that Google acquired it before PeakStream could establish an independent commercial presence.
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2007 |
| Country | USA |
| Sector | Developer tools |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
PeakStream founded in Redwood City, CA, to build parallel computing software for multi-core processors.
FUNDING
Raised $22M in venture funding to accelerate platform development and hire top-tier systems engineers.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Prepared to launch its parallel computing SDK but attracted acquisition interest before commercial release.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Google initiated acquisition talks, recognizing PeakStream's technology as critical for its growing infrastructure needs.
SHUTDOWN
PeakStream was fully acquired by Google; the brand was retired and the team integrated into Google's infrastructure division.