Traditional, non-technology companies are increasingly acquiring tech firms to accelerate digital transformation and gain a competitive advantage, new data from AI-powered market intelligence platform, FounderNest, shows. Since 2021, non-tech companies have invested over $120 billion in technology acquisitions, with the energy sector leading the way through deals totaling $114.8 billion.

Felix Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of FounderNest, explains: “The trend reflects a strategic shift: rather than relying solely on internal R&D, traditional companies are using acquisitions to access cutting-edge technology, innovation capabilities, and specialized talent.” 

Energy companies such as TotalEnergies and BP exemplify this approach, acquiring startups in renewables, grid-scale storage, carbon capture, and solar development to balance operational efficiency with the transition to cleaner energy.

Other sectors are also actively pursuing tech acquisitions:

• Healthcare and medical devices: $2.3 billion invested, focusing on AI and medical imaging technologies. Successful acquisitions like Stryker’s purchase of Care.ai and GE Healthcare’s acquisition of Icometrix illustrate disciplined integration strategies.
• Automotive: $2.1 billion invested in autonomous driving and mobility technology, with companies like Toyota strategically combining acquisitions and venture investments to remain competitive.
• Financial services: While banks face regulatory constraints, selective acquisitions, such as BNP Paribas’s acquisition of Kantox and Banco Santander’s purchase of Ebury, demonstrate targeted capability expansion in fintech.

FounderNest data also highlights the critical factors driving successful technology acquisitions: strategic alignment (95% importance), cultural integration (90%), and talent retention (87%). Non-tech companies that effectively address these factors achieve higher integration success and maximize value from their investments.

“The acquisition of technology companies is no longer optional for traditional industries,” adds Gonzalez. “Companies that master these acquisitions not only gain access to innovation and talent but also position themselves for long-term competitiveness in a digitally-driven economy.”

With AI-enabled startups and digital transformation initiatives becoming increasingly valuable, FounderNest data suggests that non-tech companies that strategically pursue technology acquisitions will continue to shape the future of industry innovation.