I see this as a talent/technology grab instead of a revenue play. Obviously, Skype will be able to integrate the technology and find a way to monetize it with their user base. There have been multiple companies purchased before they even launch a product. What's the difference?
I don't think it's zero-revenue companies. I think it's group messaging apps that actually got traction and users.<p>Beluga
Kik Messenger
GroupMe<p>all of them got snapped up in short order. There is obviously a demand for the team and the userbase.
<i>could be the first indication that the zero-revenue company is back in style.</i><p>I'm not sure that "it happened this one time" equates to "back in style".