Hundreds of startups rushing to automate the world's supply chains are drawing interest and, in many cases, big-ticket purchase prices from corporations aiming to capture their innovative technologies. So what's behind the supply chain M&A spree?...

Unilever's $1 billion buyout of Dollar Shave Club proves that successful innovation comes in many forms. Sometimes, all you need is a great business idea, a strong team, and the willingness to follow-through.

And yes, it helps when you launch with a...