These aren't simple 'apps'. These tools solve several NP complete problems, with decades of research in algorithms behind them. It is near impossible for a star

These aren't simple 'apps'. These tools solve several NP complete problems, with decades of research in algorithms behind them. It is near impossible for a startup to compete with Cadence. Most startups are just plugins to Cadence that improve a tiny part of the flow, usually written in SKILL. And when they get good enough, Cadence acquires them.