In detail
- Hundreds of rough prototypes already produced as part of Bain's AI due diligence
- Purpose: reveal where defensibility lies (code vs other assets) and how a product might evolve
- Reportedly influenced at least one bidder to drop out after seeing a vibecoded analytics platform
Why it matters
AI prototypes change how acquirers evaluate technological defensibility, potentially lowering purchase prices or scuttling deals when replication risk is low.
For you If you're planning M&A or may be a target, document which parts of your product are true IP or data moats and prepare demos that show functional depth beyond surface UI.