I was talking to the VP of Engineering at a company that got acquired by [top 10 VC/PE firm].

Apparently the firm put the company through the wringer (and more than likely bumped down their valuation during the transaction) over MongoDB’s licensing.

I have a feeling in this specific case, [top ten firm] probably found some technicality in MongoDB’s licensing that allowed them to use as negotiating leverage to bump the price down during the transaction.

Licensing is important. You especially don’t want ambiguous licenses that give lawyers wiggle room to make absurd nonsensical arguments, which unfortunately is very common even with reputable investors and firms.

Edit: Removed name of firm for legal reasons. Email me if you want specifics. bp@brandonpaton.com