Google scores a major win in the AI talent war by snapping up key minds behind one of coding AI’s most promising startups.

The transaction, structured as a non-exclusive licensing agreement, gives Google access to Windsurf’s advanced AI coding technology. However, Google will not acquire any equity in the startup. Windsurf will continue to operate independently under interim CEO Jeff Wang.

As of Friday, Windsurf’s head of business, Jeff Wang, will take over as the startup’s interim CEO, he announced in a post on social media. Most of Windsurf’s 250 person team is not headed to Google DeepMind and will continue offering its AI coding tools for enterprise customers.