I think he overestimates the value of connections in this respect. Acquirers are not easily influenced. I don't think any investor can affect e.g. Google's interest in an acquisition by more than a couple percent.
No, but I'm sure they can make introductions, get a company into consideration, or at least make Google aware of the startup and the value it can bring as an acquisition.
Yeah, it's true that the buyer needs to be convinced, but don't underestimate the persuasion of well-connected, senior-level VCs