Just three weeks after acquiring Windsurf, the AI startup Cognition abruptly terminated 30 employees and offered buyout contracts to the remaining approximately 200 staff members. This action starkly contrasts with the company's earlier proclamation of "bringing in world-class talent." Windsurf employees had already weathered several corporate tumultuous events, including a near acquisition by OpenAI and the poaching of key team members by Google.

Despite Cognition's assurances to integrate Windsurf's talent and provide financial compensation, its recent actions indicate a heightened focus on acquiring Windsurf's intellectual property. For the staff members who remain, the company will enforce a high-pressure policy, requiring them to work six intense days a week, amounting to over 80 working hours in total. CEO Scott Wu has made it unequivocally clear that the company does not prioritize work-life balance but rather emphasizes the necessity for employees to fully dedicate themselves to Cognition's mission.