Google boosts AI team with Windsurf talent after failed OpenAI bid

Google has licensed AI coding technology from start-up Windsurf and hired key members of its leadership and research team. The deal, reportedly worth around $2.4bn according to the Wall Street Journal, follows failed acquisition talks between Windsurf and rival AI firm OpenAI.

Under the agreement, Windsurf co-founder Douglas Chen and CEO Varun Mohan will join Google DeepMind, alongside several members of the start-up’s research and development division.

Google confirmed it had secured non-exclusive rights to use Windsurf’s AI coding tools, calling the team a strong addition to its agentic coding work. ‘We’re excited to welcome some top AI coding talent from Windsurf’s team to Google DeepMind,’ a spokesperson said.

Mohan and Chen also issued a joint statement, saying they were proud of Windsurf’s achievements and looked forward to the next chapter with Google’s ‘world-class’ team.

In the meantime, Windsurf’s head of business, Jeff Wang, will take over as CEO, with VP of global sales Graham Moreno stepping up as company president. The move is the latest in an ongoing AI talent war among Big Tech firms, with major players competing to secure top researchers and engineers.

Last week, Meta hired Ruoming Pang, Apple’s lead on AI models, and also brought in Safe Superintelligence co-founder Daniel Gross to its Meta Superintelligence Labs. Meta has also invested over $14bn in Scale AI and appointed the start-up’s CEO Alexandr Wang to its new advanced AI team.

Microsoft has similarly expanded its AI division, naming Jay Parikh, Meta’s former engineering chief, as head of its AI group. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft also hired Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman to lead its AI division, deepening its AI investment strategy.

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