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.

The “leftover” employees at Character were NOT screwed over. Options were converted to cash at the deal’s valuation.

Hopefully Windsurf employees are treated well here.

Note: I worked at Character until recently.

On the flipside, I’m pretty sure the investors got screwed.

Honestly depends on when they got in. Seed investors? They're probably fine with their preferences. Series B and beyond? That's where it gets messy. What round you thinking?