AI startup acquisitions by other AI startups hit 195 through September 29, up 14% from 2025, but the number of buyers grew just 2%; OpenAI was the most active (Mary Ann Azevedo/Crunchbase News)

AI startup acquisitions by other AI startups reached 195 by September 29, marking a 14% increase from the total in 2025. Despite this rise in acquisitions, the number of acquiring companies only grew by 2%. OpenAI emerged as the most active acquirer in this trend, as some of the fastest-growing AI startups are strategically purchasing smaller companies to address product gaps and expand their offerings.