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72小时瓦解200亿独角兽
虎嗅APP·2025-07-20 09:24

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dramatic and rapid acquisition of the AI coding startup Windsurf, which was valued at $3 billion (approximately 21 billion RMB), highlighting the competitive landscape in the AI industry and the implications of talent acquisition strategies by major tech companies like Google and Cognition [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Windsurf was initially targeted for acquisition by OpenAI for $3 billion, marking it as the largest acquisition since OpenAI's inception [4]. - The acquisition negotiations with OpenAI fell through due to Microsoft's interference, as Microsoft had rights to OpenAI's intellectual property until 2030, which Windsurf was unwilling to share [5]. - Following the failed negotiations, Google acquired key personnel from Windsurf for $2.4 billion (approximately 17.2 billion RMB), while Windsurf retained its independence and sought other partnerships [6][7]. Group 2: Aftermath and Reactions - The acquisition led to the departure of Windsurf's founders and key team members, leaving the company with mostly remaining employees, which some analysts described as a "shell" of its former self [7][10]. - The rapid succession of events, including the acquisition by Cognition just days later, indicates the high stakes and fast-paced nature of the AI industry [2][15]. - Cognition, led by Scott Wu, quickly moved to acquire Windsurf's remaining assets, including intellectual property and client contracts, ensuring that all Windsurf employees would receive economic benefits from the deal [15][16]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The article highlights a growing trend among tech giants to acquire talent and technology without full acquisitions, as seen with Google's approach to Windsurf and similar strategies employed by Microsoft and Meta [11][12]. - The competitive landscape for AI talent has intensified, with reports of companies offering substantial compensation packages to attract top researchers [12]. - The situation serves as a cautionary tale for startups in the AI sector, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and the potential risks of losing key personnel to larger competitors [14][16].