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 is set to hire Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and some top researchers at the artificial intelligence startup. According to reports, the development happened after OpenAI’s deal to acquire the AI coding startup for $3 billion collapsed.

Alphabet's Google has hired several key staff members from AI code generation startup Windsurf, the companies announced on Friday, in a surprise move following an attempt by its rival OpenAI to acquire the startup.