速递｜"船长弃船"后的72小时细节：临时CEO的过山车式谈判，Cognition72小时内完成对剩余资产收购

Core Insights - Windsurf, an AI programming startup, was acquired by Cognition for $2.4 billion after a failed acquisition attempt by OpenAI, which led to the departure of key personnel to Google DeepMind [2][3] - The acquisition reflects a trend of "reverse talent acquisition," where large tech companies recruit startup teams while avoiding direct acquisitions to sidestep antitrust scrutiny [2] - Windsurf's interim CEO, Jeff Wang, expressed understanding for the departing executives but noted the low morale among remaining employees following the announcement of the acquisition [3][4] Company Dynamics - Following the departure of key executives, Windsurf retained its intellectual property, products, and a strong marketing team, allowing for potential future fundraising or independent operation [3][4] - The acquisition negotiations with Cognition were intense, with Wang emphasizing the complementary strengths of both companies, particularly in engineering and marketing [4] - A structured design in the acquisition ensured that all Windsurf employees would receive compensation, eliminating lock-up periods and accelerating equity vesting [5] Transaction Details - The acquisition agreement was signed on a Monday morning, with an all-hands meeting held to announce the news to the team [6] - Wang described the day of the announcement as a stark contrast to the previous Friday, which was marked by despair among employees [7]