Print A multibillion-dollar unicorn startup in Sweden is acquiring a small local company that makes futuristic microscopes for $110 million. The San Diego company, called Discover Echo, was an early player in the local startup scene, winning a pitch competition and catching the eye of local investors for its new-age instrument. Back then, it was known as Echo Laboratories. Echo makes a modern microscope called Revolve, which combines the functionality of two commonly used microscopes (the upright and inverted) into one piece. It also has a vibrant touch screen display and custom software. When it was new to the market in 2016, the makers of the Hollywood film “Alien: Covenant” requested one of Echo’s microscopes to use on set. It looked like a microscope of the future, they said.