Post-acquisition knowledge integration is an important indicator of knowledge transfer from acquirers to startups. As the emergence of AI technology increases coordination concern, it is important to explore how acquires integrate AI technology from the technological acquisitions. In this study, we argue that the generality of AI startup’s technology increases post-acquisition integration, by providing various possibilities and alternatives for acquirers to utilize the general-purpose technology. We also argue that the positive relationship is strengthened by acquirer’s investment in AI-application capabilities. From the panel-data analysis with 186 AI acquisitions conducted by incumbent firms, we find support for the above argument. Overall, through the additional analysis, we conclude that the generality of technology can facilitate knowledge integration in various directions, while it does not stimulate deep engagements between acquirers and startups.
