…buy a legal entity to facilitate your start up. Even if two start ups decide to collaborate. You never know what is hidden within it.
Sure, buy assets, buy components, factories, packaging, formulas, IP, software programs. Buy all these things from other start ups to pool resources. Yes, collaborate, merge. But never become part of their corporate entity.
When you buy into their entity, you also buy their liability. This applies for any previous corporate misdemeanor.
Simple answer, create a new entity. Then both parties can bring the relevant assets and IP to the table. If the other parties intentions are honorable they wont have an issue with this.