Unpacking the Windsurf-Google Deal with Carta's Peter Walker
“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies · 2025-07-15 · 31 min
Episode notes
Emergency pod: Returning guest Peter Walker (Carta's Head of Insights) analyze the controversial Windsurf deal, where Google's acqui-hire left non-founder employees without equity payout. They unpack the deal, reference Character AI's precedent, and explore how AI-era deals increasingly prioritize top researchers over broader employee bases, fundamentally changing startup risk calculations *Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co For coaching and advising inquire at HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine. Support HR Heretics Sponsors: Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ️ Go to to see how you can transform your HR strategy. Metaview is the AI platform built for recruiting. Our suite of AI agents work across your hiring process to save time, boost decision quality, and elevate the candidate experience. Learn why team builders at 3,000+ cutting-edge companies like Brex, Deel, and Quora can’t live without Metaview.