Google Gains Windsurf Talent

Google has secured key talent and technology licenses from AI coding startup Windsurf, after OpenAI's $3 billion acquisition deal fell through. Windsurf's CEO, Varun Mohan, along with co-founder Douglas Chen and members of the research and development team, are joining Google's DeepMind division. They will focus on 'agentic coding initiatives', primarily contributing to the Gemini project.

While Google isn't acquiring a stake in Windsurf, it gains a non-exclusive license to specific Windsurf technologies. Windsurf will continue to operate independently, led by interim CEO Jeff Wang and President Graham Moreno, prioritising innovation for enterprise clients. The majority of Windsurf's 250 employees will remain with the company. OpenAI's failed acquisition was reportedly due to intellectual property concerns.