Google has roped in talent from AI coding startup Windsurf in a surprise move that put it ahead of rival OpenAI. Rather than acquiring the company, Google is paying $2.4 billion in licensing fees to use Windsurf's tech in a non-exclusive manner.

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.

Google has reportedly agreed to a $2.4 billion deal to license Windsurfs artificial intelligence-assisted coding technology, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter.