I've been through two acquisitions of small startups. Not sure if they would count as an acquihire but it was a technology/team transfer.
> what's the shortest transition-the-product-to-new-ownership period I can reasonably look for?
Not sure what you're asking. The day after the sale closes everything will change. You may get some time off I guess. How long will it take you to move your stuff to the new office location?
> Is there typically any short-term payout for acquired employees or will everything be in salary and slow-vesting options?
Yes there is typically a short term payout for key employees. both of the acquisitions I was involved in resulted in a large bonus up front but the majority of the total value is usually vested over time. In both instances, if I left before a year was out, I would have to payback the initial bonus.
> what's the likelihood I'd be allowed to remain in charge of my product vs having to execute on someone else's vision?
You will have technical ownership but you will have to execute someone else's vision. No doubts about this. It's what sucks about being acquired.
> When, if ever, is it appropriate for me to ask to be included in negotiations with acquirers?
Never, unless you are considered a partner/founder in the company. If you are considered an employee, then it's appropriate to negotiate your individual transition to the new company. That being said, don't underestimate your value to the acquirer. Product acquisitions are usually contingent on key employees agreeing to transfer to the new company. Therefore, don't accept their initial offer. You have leverage. The first acquisition I was involved in, the owner of the company agreed to transfer some of his proceeds of the sale to bonuses to employees so he could reach the tipping point with the number of employees that agreed to go to the new company. Don't overestimate it either (i.e. don't try and block the deal).
> what's the shortest transition-the-product-to-new-ownership period I can reasonably look for?
Not sure what you're asking. The day after the sale closes everything will change. You may get some time off I guess. How long will it take you to move your stuff to the new office location?
> Is there typically any short-term payout for acquired employees or will everything be in salary and slow-vesting options?
Yes there is typically a short term payout for key employees. both of the acquisitions I was involved in resulted in a large bonus up front but the majority of the total value is usually vested over time. In both instances, if I left before a year was out, I would have to payback the initial bonus.
> what's the likelihood I'd be allowed to remain in charge of my product vs having to execute on someone else's vision?
You will have technical ownership but you will have to execute someone else's vision. No doubts about this. It's what sucks about being acquired.
> When, if ever, is it appropriate for me to ask to be included in negotiations with acquirers?
Never, unless you are considered a partner/founder in the company. If you are considered an employee, then it's appropriate to negotiate your individual transition to the new company. That being said, don't underestimate your value to the acquirer. Product acquisitions are usually contingent on key employees agreeing to transfer to the new company. Therefore, don't accept their initial offer. You have leverage. The first acquisition I was involved in, the owner of the company agreed to transfer some of his proceeds of the sale to bonuses to employees so he could reach the tipping point with the number of employees that agreed to go to the new company. Don't overestimate it either (i.e. don't try and block the deal).