Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Ex-Windsurf Engineer Joins Cognition After Google Deal
Prem Qu Nair, who used to work at Windsurf, a company that was bought by Google, has now joined Cognition.
At Windsurf, he worked on combining AI with software.
After the acquisition, he had a deal with Google, but he gave up most of his shares.
He decided to join Cognition because it's focused on new ways of writing software.
At Cognition, he's working with the AI Devin, which is designed to be a software engineer.
He wants to help create a great coding environment that uses AI to make software development better.
Prem Qu Nair, ex-Windsurf engineer, joined Cognition after Windsurf's acquisition.
Nair was employee number two at Windsurf, focusing on AI and software engineering.
He forfeited most of his vested shares after an offer from Google DeepMind, post-acquisition.
Nair chose Cognition due to its focus on software innovation and a 'code-first environment'.
At Cognition, Nair will work on integrating Devin's breakthroughs with a new IDE.
- Who
- Prem Qu Nair
- What
- Prem Qu Nair, ex-Windsurf AI engineer, joined Cognition after Windsurf's acquisition.
- When
- July 24, 2025 (Tweet Date)
- Where
- Cognition
- Why
- To continue working on software engineering with a focus on innovation and utilizing AI tools like Devin.
Employee Compensation
Software Engineering
Shareholder Equity
Employee Compensation
Limited employee compensation after acquisition
Software Engineering
Focusing on new software engineering opportunities
- Engineer's Name
- Prem Qu Nair
- Former Company
- Windsurf
- New Company
- Cognition
- Focus
- AI and Software Engineering
- Windsurf Employee Number
- 2
- Nair's Vested Shares Post-Acquisition
- 1%