CNET reports that Apple has acquired Particle, a small San Francisco-based startup firm specializing in HTML5 Web and Web app work. The acquisition is said to have been for the company's talent rather than any specific project it was working on.
The company has done HTML5 work for Google, Motorola, Amazon, Yahoo, Sony, and Apple. The group has also created some "labs" projects including Intervue.me, an asynchronous video interviewing project. [...]
The deal went through late last month, though not all its less than a dozen employees stayed on to work at Apple. Those who did are listed as "creative technologists" as well as one "user interface engineer," according to their public LinkedIn profiles.
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The report speculates that Particle's Web expertise makes it likely that the new Apple employees will be working on such projects as Apple's website, iAd, and iCloud.com. Particle's About page outlines some of its work with Apple prior to the acquisition:
Particle brings positive and energetic relationships with Google and the Chrome team specifically, as well as great Apple relationships and execution experience around iAds, iTunes Extras, and Apple.com. We have participated in and piloted much of the technology which will display the next generation of advertising and deliver media content for the next decade.
TechCrunch has documented five of Particle's former employees who are now listing Apple as their employer on LinkedIn, with all of the transitions listed as having taken place in September.
Top Rated Comments
Startups have a burn rate. The creative freedom ends when the money is gone. Acquisitions add cash but tend to decrease creative freedom. Can't have it all, no free lunch, etc.
You'd be surprised how persuasive Apple Stock Options are...
Which you can't really have without money.
You'd be surprised at how many people aren't really motivated by money - but by their creative freedom
I agree, however I think there is a break point that you will be willing to work in a less free environment (or something you don't enjoy as much) in exchange for millions in stock option and a very well pay. Sometime people have other things in life to look out for wife, kids etc...
Company: Hey come work for us!
Person: No, you're a small rubbish startup!
Company: We're hoping to be bought by a big company like Apple someday.
Person: Oh, OK then.