Conversation series with Selina Wang and Palak Goel highlighting leaders making critical decisions on the fly. This conversation spotlights Jeff Wang, CEO of Windsurf, who provides a behind-the-scenes account of navigating Windsurf’s reverse-acquihire by Google and merger with Cognition. Jeff’s human-first, pragmatic leadership in the face of adversity shows why every startup needs a Jeff!
Chapters:(00:00) Intro
(1:02) Jeff’s Origin Story
(1:55) Joining Codeium
(4:24) The Codeium / Windsurf Story
(6:59) Confidence to Take On Microsoft
(9:59) Adapting to a Bigger Team
(11:16) Trajectory Towards M&A
(12:35) Why the OpenAI Deal Fell Apart
(15:42) Becoming CEO of Windsurf
(18:48) Balancing Interests of Customers and Employees
(20:47) Navigating Crisis
(21:25) Cognition Acquisition
(24:42) Windsurf's Unique Path
(26:40) Advice to CEO’s and Leaders
(28:35) Windsurf Operating as Two Entities
(29:20) Wave 11
(30:33) Integrating Teams
(31:14) The AI Competitive Landscape
(33:57) The Future of Software
(37:22) End State of Engineering
(40:19) Increasing Productivity
(41:42) Reaching $100B Valuation
(42:41) Jeff’s Admiration for Scott Wu
Produced by Benny Beausoleil
Follow:
Selina Wang @selinazwang
Palak Goel @palak_go
Jeff Wang @jeffwsurf