I think this obfuscation comes from a fear of failure, which is ironic given that it's the ready acceptance of failure and the can-do attitude which is supposed

I think this obfuscation comes from a fear of failure, which is ironic given that it's the ready acceptance of failure and the can-do attitude which is supposed to set American entrepreneurs apart from Europeans and others. It seems that investors are now scared of failing, losing money and the impact on reputation, so they want to preserve their mythical image as Titans of Silicon Valley (much like investment bankers believed they were Masters of the Universe) for as long as possible. Thus they come up with dubious acquisitions, acquihires and mask strategic failure as pivoting.