In a shocking twist, Google DeepMind is now hiring Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and some of the startup’s top AI coding talent. A Google spokesperson confirmed the hiring of Windsurf’s leaders in a statement to TechCrunch.

Google has hired Windsurf co-founder Varun Mohan and key team members in a $2.4 billion IP licensing deal to enhance Gemini’s AI coding capabilities. The move intensifies the AI talent race, marking a strategic win over rival OpenAI.

OpenAI’s deal to buy Windsurf is off, and Google will instead hire the Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and some of Windsurf’s R&D employees from the company to join DeepMind, Google and Windsurf announced Friday.