The Limitless Podcast The War for Windsurf: The $3B AI Coding Agent (OpenAI vs Google vs Cognition)
Jul 17, 2025
Windsurf's acquisition saga has taken the tech world by storm, revealing the harsh realities employees face amidst corporate turmoil. The fallout from OpenAI's failed $3 billion takeover raises ethical questions about employee welfare vs. shareholder interests. Cognition's rescue bid sparks a discussion on the responsibility tech companies hold. Dive into the cutthroat dynamics of AI investment, where high stakes and ethical dilemmas dominate the landscape, painting a vivid picture of the tension in innovation today.
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Double Acquisition Chaos
- Windsurf was acquired twice in $3B deals, causing chaos and outrage among 250 employees.
- Eventually, another company acquired Windsurf's assets, providing employees a second chance and payment.
Windsurf's Transformation and Growth
- Windsurf evolved from a GPU optimizer to an AI coding companion, rapidly gaining unicorn status.
- By 2025, its revenue surged to $100M+, signaling booming demand for AI coding tools.
100x Engineer Effect of AI Tools
- AI coding tools like Windsurf enable engineers to work at 10x speed, disrupting traditional workflows.
- This 100x productivity boost could reduce hiring needs or dramatically scale companies with existing teams.