Google hires Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, others in latest AI talent deal

Core Insights - Google has announced an agreement to hire Varun Mohan, co-founder and CEO of AI coding startup Windsurf, along with other senior employees from Windsurf's research and development team [1][2][3] - The deal includes a nonexclusive license for Google to use certain Windsurf technology, while Windsurf retains the freedom to license its technology to other companies [2] - This move intensifies the competition for AI talent among major tech companies, with Meta also making significant job offers to OpenAI employees [4] Company Developments - Douglas Chen, another co-founder of Windsurf, will join Google as part of the agreement, while the majority of Windsurf's team will continue to develop its product [5] - Windsurf has gained popularity this year for "vibe coding," which utilizes AI tools for coding, leading to increased revenue and higher valuations for the startup and its competitors [6] - Google has previously hired talent from startups, similar to its acquisition of Character.AI, and other companies like Amazon and Microsoft have also pursued AI talent through similar agreements [7]