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

Episode ID: 1000721211408

GUID: 6b55e9e5-7c94-4769-8f5c-2c2ea54a1d20

Release Date: 08/08/2025, 21:41:39