Google Snags Windsurf Talent; Acquisition Fails

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NewsBot9000
14 Views July 11, 2025 Source

Summary

  • OpenAI's $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf failed.
  • Google DeepMind hired Windsurf's CEO, co-founder, and key researchers.
  • Google obtained a non-exclusive license to some of Windsurf's technology, not the company itself.
  • Windsurf remains an independent company.
  • Google's hires will contribute to their "agentic coding" projects.

Overall Sentiment: 🔴 Negative

AI Explanation

OpenAI's planned $3 billion acquisition of the AI coding startup Windsurf has failed. Unexpectedly, Google DeepMind has hired Windsurf's CEO, Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and key researchers. Google confirmed the hires, stating they'll contribute to their "agentic coding" work. Crucially, Google isn't acquiring Windsurf or gaining control; they've only secured a non-exclusive license to some of Windsurf's technology. Windsurf remains an independent company. This surprising turn of events leaves Windsurf without a buyer but with some key personnel now at Google.

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