19 Jul 2025, 17:40

AI Startup Windsurf: The Unveiled Triumph After Bleak Mood to Cognition Deal

BitcoinWorld AI Startup Windsurf: The Unveiled Triumph After Bleak Mood to Cognition Deal In the fast-paced world where cutting-edge artificial intelligence meets the dynamic currents of venture capital, the journey of an AI startup can be fraught with unexpected turns. Just days after Windsurf, an AI coding innovator, announced its acquisition by Cognition, its interim CEO Jeff Wang pulled back the curtain on the intense drama and uncertainty that defined the deal. This story isn’t just about a business transaction; it’s a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, offering crucial insights for anyone navigating the volatile landscape of tech and crypto investments. The Initial Storm: Navigating AI Startup Uncertainty The tech world often buzzes with rumors of major deals, and Windsurf was no stranger to the spotlight. Initially, reports linked the promising AI startup to acquisition talks with OpenAI, a potential union that could have reshaped the AI development landscape. However, as is often the case in high-stakes negotiations, this anticipated deal ultimately fell through. What followed was a complex series of events that sent ripples of uncertainty through Windsurf’s team. Instead of a full acquisition, Google DeepMind made a strategic move, hiring Windsurf’s former CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and several key researchers. This arrangement reportedly involved Google licensing Windsurf’s technology for a substantial $2.4 billion, but notably, without taking an equity stake. This trend, dubbed “reverse acquihires,” has become a clever tactic for large tech companies to circumvent antitrust scrutiny. By absorbing talent and licensing technology rather than outright acquiring companies, they gain innovation without the regulatory headaches. But this approach leaves a critical question hanging: what becomes of the startups and the employees left behind? The Fallout: Why the OpenAI Deal Collapsed and Startup Morale Plummeted The impact of the Google DeepMind deal on Windsurf was immediate and profound. Jeff Wang, who stepped in as interim CEO after Mohan’s departure, recounted an all-hands meeting that Friday, June 11, which he described as having a “very bleak” mood. Most team members had arrived expecting news of the OpenAI acquisition, only to be confronted with the reality of key leadership departures and the new Google arrangement. The emotional toll was significant. Wang observed that “some people were upset about financial outcomes or colleagues leaving, while others were worried about the future. A few were in tears, and the Q&A had been understandably hostile.” This period highlighted a severe blow to startup morale . The departure of key executives, especially in such a pivotal moment, can feel like a captain abandoning ship, as one founder reportedly likened it. Wang, while empathetic to Mohan and Chen’s difficult situation, was left to steer a ship facing a crisis of confidence and talent retention. A Glimmer of Hope: How the Cognition Deal Emerged Despite the severe blow to morale and the loss of key personnel, Wang recognized that Windsurf still possessed valuable assets: its intellectual property, product, and a strong remaining talent pool, particularly in its go-to-market (GTM) machine. The options were clear: seek new funding, pursue another acquisition, or continue independently. It was in this critical juncture that a new path opened. That very evening, Wang received an unexpected call from Cognition executives Scott Wu and Russell Kaplan. The conversation quickly turned serious, leading to intense negotiations over a frantic weekend. Wang recounted the whirlwind of discussions with Cognition, while also managing inbound interest from other potential acquirers and working tirelessly to convince Windsurf’s remaining engineers to stay. The two companies quickly identified a strong synergy. Wang noted, “While they had overinvested in engineering, they had frankly underinvested in GTM and Marketing, and our teams in those functions are nothing short of world class.” Conversely, Windsurf, now lacking a core engineering team, found an ideal partner in Cognition, renowned for its “better group of AI engineers.” This alignment proved crucial for the eventual Cognition deal . Beyond the Headlines: What This Tech Acquisition Means for Employees One of the most compelling aspects of the Windsurf-Cognition agreement was the commitment to its people. Wang emphasized his alignment with Cognition’s Scott Wu on the critical need to “take care of all Windsurf employees.” This shared principle translated into tangible benefits for the entire team, addressing one of the core anxieties that arose during the period of uncertainty. Key elements of the deal designed to support employees included: Payout to Every Employee: Ensuring financial compensation for all, not just a select few. Waiver of All Cliffs: Removing vesting cliffs, providing immediate access to equity. Accelerated Vesting: Speeding up the timeline for employees to gain full ownership of their Windsurf equity. This commitment stood in stark contrast to the initial Google DeepMind arrangement, which left many Windsurf employees in limbo. The successful negotiation of these terms transformed a period of despair into one of immense relief and celebration. Wang famously described that Friday all-hands as “probably the worst day of 250 people’s lives,” followed by Monday, the day the deal was signed and announced, as “probably the best day.” This tech acquisition serves as a powerful example of how strategic alignment and a focus on human capital can lead to a positive outcome even after significant setbacks. The Road Ahead for Windsurf Acquisition The finalization of the Windsurf acquisition by Cognition was a rapid process, with the agreement signed on a Monday morning, followed by internal and public announcements. This swift resolution brought an end to a tumultuous chapter for the AI startup and its dedicated team. The integration of Windsurf’s strong go-to-market capabilities with Cognition’s deep engineering talent creates a formidable force in the AI coding space. This acquisition is more than just a business transaction; it’s a narrative of corporate resilience, strategic pivoting, and the critical importance of leadership during crisis. For those in the startup ecosystem, it offers valuable lessons on navigating failed deals, managing team morale, and identifying synergistic partnerships that truly benefit all stakeholders. As the AI industry continues its rapid evolution, such stories of survival and success provide crucial insights into building robust and adaptable ventures. The journey of Windsurf, from the brink of collapse after a major deal fell through and key departures, to its triumphant acquisition by Cognition, is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable yet often rewarding path of innovation. Jeff Wang’s candid account highlights the emotional and strategic challenges faced by startups, but also the immense potential for recovery when leadership remains focused on core strengths and employee well-being. This outcome not only secures Windsurf’s future but also sets a new benchmark for how acquisitions can prioritize people alongside profit. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI models features. This post AI Startup Windsurf: The Unveiled Triumph After Bleak Mood to Cognition Deal first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

19 Jul 2025, 13:52

How Much XRP Is Actually Available for Business Use? Top Dev Explains

A leading XRP developer estimates that only 12–15 billion XRP are truly liquid and available for business use. Most of the 100 billion supply is locked in escrow, lost, or held by long-term investors. As adoption grows, this limited supply could trigger a significant price surge due to rising demand. Pro-XRP software engineer Vincent Van Code has broken down the circulating supply of XRP to reveal how much is truly usable for business applications like payments, liquidity provision, and cross-border settlements. While XRP has a total supply of 100 billion tokens, his analysis suggests the figure often referenced is misleading when it comes to practical liquidity. Ripple’s Escrow and Strategic Holdings Restrict Circulation Ripple currently holds around 35.9 billion XRP in escrow, releasing 1 billion each month. However, the company frequently relocks a large portion of that supply. It typically sends back to escrow around 800 million XRP per month, making most of it unavailable for active use. In addition to escrow, Ripple also holds 4.9 billion XRP outside of it for strategic purposes such as acquisitions and incentives. These tokens are not c… The post How Much XRP Is Actually Available for Business Use? Top Dev Explains appeared first on Coin Edition .

19 Jul 2025, 13:19

Dogecoin (DOGE) to make comeback soon but experts are backing Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as next crypto to hit $1

Dogecoin shows signs of renewed momentum. Its price recently jumped 7%, reaching $0.21. This marks an 18% increase over the past week. Trading volume surged 81%, signaling rising interest. Analysts now suggest a major bullish breakout could occur soon. Breaking the $0.22 resistance level might propel DOGE towards $0.43. Such a move would deliver a 100% gain. Yet, despite this potential, attention is shifting. Many experts now champion Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as the next big altcoin. Dogecoin’s technical indicators flash green Technical analysis supports Dogecoin’s potential rise. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 70.96. This points to strong buying pressure. It also indicates DOGE might be overbought presently. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows positive momentum. Derivatives data reinforces this view. Open interest increased by 10.47%. Trading volume climbed over 52%. These metrics suggest growing trader confidence. However, the crypto market remains unpredictable. Meme coins like Dogecoin are famously volatile. Consequently, some investors seek alternatives with stronger fundamentals. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) fits this profile perfectly. Mutuum Finance presale gains unprecedented traction Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is capturing significant investor interest. Its presale is currently in Phase 5. The token price here stands at $0.03. This represents a 200% increase from the opening phase price of $0.01. The project has already raised an impressive $12,700,000. Over 620 million MUTM tokens have been sold. Total holders since the presale began number 13,600. Phase 5 is over 80% filled already. This window to acquire tokens at $0.03 closes rapidly. Phase 6 will see a 16.7% price hike to $0.035. The official launch price is set firmly at $0.06. Buying now guarantees a 100% return on investment at launch. Beyond this, analysts project substantial post-launch growth. Conservative estimates place MUTM reaching $3.50 within the first year. This potential 11,567% gain dwarfs typical market returns. Advanced technology powers Mutuum Finance Mutuum Finance (MUTM) offers more than just price potential. Its technology provides real financial solutions. The platform features a dual lending model. This combines Peer-to-Contract (P2C) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems. P2C lending uses smart contracts for automation. It dynamically adjusts interest rates based on market conditions. This ensures stability and predictability. P2P lending facilitates direct agreements between users. Furthermore, Mutuum Finance is developing its own stablecoin. This fully collateralized, USD-pegged asset will operate on Ethereum. It aims for greater stability than algorithmic competitors. This infrastructure delivers genuine utility in the crowded crypto market. Security and incentives build trust Security remains paramount for Mutuum Finance. The project successfully completed a comprehensive CertiK audit. The audit found no vulnerabilities in the smart contracts. To bolster security further, Mutuum launched a Bug Bounty Program. Partnering with CertiK, it offers $50,000 USDT in rewards. Rewards are tiered based on vulnerability severity. Additionally, Mutuum Finance is running a massive $100,000 MUTM giveaway . Ten lucky winners will each receive $10,000. Participation requires completing simple quests. Mutuum Finance represents the next evolution Mutuum Finance (MUTM) transcends typical presale projects. Its focus on real-world DeFi solutions resonates. The successful CertiK audit provides crucial trust. The substantial funds raised demonstrate strong market belief. Early investors benefit from immediate ROI potential at launch. The projected surge to $3.50 offers extraordinary long-term growth. This combination is rare in the current crypto market. Dogecoin might rally soon, offering short-term gains. Mutuum Finance (MUTM), however, presents a compelling long-term opportunity. Experts backing it as the next crypto to hit $1 see its robust foundation. Its innovative technology and strong security posture justify this confidence. Why MUTM stands out now The evidence for Mutuum Finance’s potential is clear. Phase 5 offers the last chance to buy near the current low price. The imminent price rise to $0.035 in Phase 6 makes acting now essential. Guaranteed doubling of investment upon launch provides a solid safety net. The project’s tangible utility in DeFi lending adds significant value. Security assurances from the CertiK audit mitigate risk. Potential returns reaching $3.50 create exceptional upside. Dogecoin’s possible comeback attracts attention. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) represents the smarter, more sustainable opportunity. It is positioned as the next crypto truly capable of reaching $1. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM), visit the links below: Website: https://mutuum.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance The post Dogecoin (DOGE) to make comeback soon but experts are backing Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as next crypto to hit $1 appeared first on Invezz

19 Jul 2025, 11:45

Streaming Service Handing $3,400,000 To Current and Former Customers To Settle Illegal Data Harvesting Allegations

A billion-dollar streaming service has agreed to shell out $3.4 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the company violated US privacy laws. According to a newly updated settlement portal , the sports streaming firm FuboTV will send cash payments to people who had an account on or before May 29th of this year while residing in the US or its territories. The class action lawsuit leading to the settlement was initially filed in August of 2023. It alleged FuboTV “collected, stored, used, distributed, or retained Personally Identifiable Information and/or other personal information or data, including through targeted advertising and the use of Trap and Trace Devices, the Meta Pixel, Google Analytics, Cookies, and related technology.” According to the class action lawsuit, FuboTV’s actions were in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act – a law originally created to prevent the wrongful disclosure of videotape rental or sale records, but now also applies to streaming and digital video platforms as well. According to the settlement portal, the amount that each class member will receive is currently unknown but will depend on the number of valid claims that will be submitted. Claims must be submitted by September 12th, while the final approval hearing will be held on October 6th. Individuals who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement must submit a ‘Request for Exclusion’ by email or in writing by August 28th. Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post Streaming Service Handing $3,400,000 To Current and Former Customers To Settle Illegal Data Harvesting Allegations appeared first on The Daily Hodl .

19 Jul 2025, 11:35

Tech giants divided in reaction to EU AI code as Microsoft signs, Meta rejects

Tech giant Microsoft intends to sign the European Union’s AI code, supporting efforts to implement the bloc’s new rules. The company’s President, Brad Smith, commented, “I think it’s likely we will sign. We need to read the documents.” Meta Platforms, however, already dismissed the EU’s guidelines. Open AI and Mistral signed the EU AI code The European Commission released the General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice on July 10. It claimed the code would offer legal clarity to signatories and encourage the industry to comply with the AI Act , which was first instituted in 2024. Signatories of the code are required to provide summaries of their AI training data and adopt measures to comply with EU copyright rules. Unlike its counterpart, Meta, Microsoft’s Smith stated that they want to be supportive of the process, adding that they particularly appreciate the AI Office’s direct engagement with the industry. He added that the firm would be open to signing the code of practice. Companies like OpenAI and Mistral have already signed the code. In contrast, Meta Platforms insisted it would not sign the code, calling it an excessive regulation that would hinder business growth. According to the company’s global affairs chief, Joel Kaplan, Europe is taking the wrong approach to AI, arguing that the code creates legal ambiguities for model developers and imposes requirements that extend well beyond the AI Act . On the other hand, ASML Holding and Airbus wrote to the EU asking for the code to be put on hold for two years. Microsoft is investing heavily in artificial intelligence Microsoft is planning to spend about $80 billion, about £68.6 billion, on data centers to train AI models. However, the company is set to reduce its workforce significantly. The firm will lay off 15,000 workers this year, over 4% of its workforce, most of them from its Xbox video game division. Several game projects have already stalled due to the job cuts, including the Perfect Dark reboot and Everwild. Some have linked the layoffs to Microsoft’s AI investments and the productivity gains achieved through internal AI use. However, the company told reporters that AI-related efficiency is “not a predominant factor” in the recent job cuts. Nevertheless, the company asserted that its use of AI tools internally enhanced productivity across sales, customer support, and software development. Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff claimed the firm realized over $500 million in call center savings and improved employee and customer satisfaction. The firm also said it will utilize AI for interactions with smaller customers. Moreover, the company is using AI to get new codes for products. About 35% of the code for new products was produced by AI, significantly accelerating product releases. Last year, the firm appointed British AI pioneer Mustafa Suleyman to lead its AI operations. It also poured in a sizable investment in OpenAI, the ChatGPT maker, though recent reports point to increasing tension between the two. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now

19 Jul 2025, 09:22

Exploring the Vibrant Upsurge in Cryptocurrency Markets: Bitcoin, XRP, and the Emergence of XYZVerse

As Bitcoin and XRP continue to dominate headlines with their impressive market performances, there is a new player on the block—XYZVerse. This next-gen cryptocurrency is poised to make waves in the meme coin sector, potentially reaching a $1 billion market cap due to its innovative approach and strong community backing. Unpacking the Rise of XYZVerse in the Cryptocurrency Arena Introduced in a market already rich with viral tokens, XYZVerse's entry is timely. Meme coins have shown that with the right mix of marketing, community support, and utility, substantial market caps are achievable. The current climate, marked by an upcoming altcoin season, presents a fertile ground for XYZVerse's growth, especially if it continues to garner support through strategic partnerships and maintains its hype post-launch. Strategic Advantages and Market Potential of XYZVerse Strong partnerships with sports figures and influencers help expand its market presence. Introduction of deflationary tactics, such as a 17.13% token burn to enhance value. A 15% liquidity reserve to ensure price stability once trading commences. Community-driven incentives that encourage long-term holding and participation. Given its current presale price of $0.003333, XYZVerse's projections are ambitious yet attainable, targeting a post-launch price of $0.10, with potential spikes between $0.15 and $0.25 driven by strong demand and strategic exchange listings. Detailed Price Goals for XYZVerse's Near Future Initial Post-Presale Price Target: $0.10 First 1-2 Weeks Post-Launch High: $0.15 to $0.25 Six to Twelve Month Outlook: $0.20 to $0.40, contingent on sustained marketing and strategic alignments Invest Early in XYZVerse for Potential High Returns The Groundbreaking Impact of Bitcoin: A Technology and Financial Phenomenon Bitcoin, created by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, revolutionized finance by enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions without the need for traditional banking infrastructures. Its decentralized nature not only fosters transparency but also enhances security, governed by a technology called the blockchain. As Bitcoin continues to be a market leader, its potential to reshape financial landscapes remains substantial. XRP’s Role in Modernizing Global Payments XRP distinguishes itself by enabling fast, cost-effective, and expansive cross-border transactions. Developed by Ripple and vigorously supported by the underlying technology of the XRP Ledger, this cryptocurrency offers a significant advantage over traditional financial systems by facilitating seamless transactions across various currencies. Conclusion While Bitcoin and XRP already have established roles in the financial technology landscape, XYZVerse's innovative approach could carve out a new niche in the crypto market, uniting various communities with a shared enthusiasm for sports and digital engagement. Further details about XYZVerse can be accessed through the following channels: Official XYZVerse Website , Telegram , X Platform Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.