OpenAI’s Windsurf deal is off, and Windsurf’s CEO is going to Google

It's another Character.ai situation [0]. Unfortunate for any employees who aren't founders or researchers, as they don't get any payout or a nice new job from this exit structure. In fact they lose their whole time invested at the company.

What a harsh time to work for an AI startup as a rank and file employee! I wonder how the founders justify going along with it inside their mind.

[0] Character.ai CEO Noam Shazeer Returns to Google https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41141112 - 11 months ago (87 comments)

Edit: Thank you @jonny_eh for the clarification. I can't imagine it feels awesome being a leftover but at least you vested out. "Take the money and leave" is still a bit raw when the founders and researchers are now getting the initial payout + generous Google RSU's.

Not really true, I believe the "acquiring" (i.e. Google) company buys some equity from the employees (windsurf).

Edit: the people downvoting this clearly can't read, I made the exact same point as jonny_eh.

The acquisition of Windsurf was cancelled.