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In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

To bolster its AI technology, Google has roped in Varun Mohan, co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence coding startup Windsurf. Mohan, along with his longtime friend and co-founder Douglas Chen, will now be working with the DeepMind team at Google.


According to a CNBC.com report, the search engine giant is also going to hire other senior team members from the research & development department of Windsurf. However, Google will take a non-exclusive license to certain technology of the AI startup, which means Windsurf is free to license its technology to others, as per the news report.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/digital/eu-passes-worlds-first-ai-rules-artificial-intelligence-act-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-landmark-law-26353.html">EU passes world’s first AI rules – Artificial Intelligence Act; All you need to know about the landmark law</a>

Google is reportedly paying $2.4 billion for compensation and licensing fees. Before Google, OpenAI was in talks with Windsurf for a $3 billion acquisition deal. They both had entered into exclusivity to finalize the acquisition, but the period expired, cnmbc.com mentioned. The development could be a major setback for ChatGPT-maker as the company has lost another deal with an AI coding startup before Windsurf. OpenAI had also approached Anysphere about acquiring Cursor, but the deal fell through as the startup was not interested in getting acquired by any big tech.


'About Varun Mohan'


Windsurf's co-founder, Mohan, is the son of Indian immigrants. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with a minor in Mathematics, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 2014 to 2017. Mohan then pursued a Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science at MIT, which he completed in 2017.

During his academic tenure, he has worked as an intern at Quora, Cloudian Inc, and Databricks. After completing his master's from MIT, Mohan worked as a tech lead at Nuro for over three years. The Indo-American CEO co-founded Windsurf in June 2021 in California.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/scale-ais-alexandr-wang-to-join-metas-superintelligence-mission-jason-dorege-to-be-interim-ceo-of-startup-70176.html">Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang to join Meta’s superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup</a>


Big tech giants, including Meta, are vying to become the leader in AI technology. As a result, startups leveraging generative AI to aid programmers in coding have emerged as the most in-demand in the tech landscape. Last month, Facebook parent Meta poached Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang to lead its AI strategy. Meta has invested $14.3 billion--the second-largest-ever deal after its $19 billion buyout of WhatsApp.

Google bolsters AI with $2.4 billion deal to hire Windsurf team

Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has cut prices for its X Premium service in India by up to 47 percent, as per a Moneycontrol report. The move marks the first major price adjustment across X Premium’s Basic, Premium, and Premium+ tiers since the service launched in India as Twitter Blue in February 2023. It also comes a day after Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, unveiled a new version of its Grok model. Earlier this year, xAI acquired X in an all-stock deal that valued the social media company at $33 billion.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/elon-musks-x-claims-indian-government-ordered-block-on-2355-accounts-including-reuters-73453.htm">Read more: Elon Musk's X claims Indian government ordered block on 2,355 accounts, including Reuters</a>

The report stated that under the new pricing, X Premium’s Basic tier is now available in India for ₹170 per month, down 30 percent from ₹244, while the Premium plan has been reduced to ₹427 per month, a 34 percent drop. The Premium+ plan now costs ₹2,570 per month, marking a 26 percent decrease from earlier rates. On mobile platforms, where prices include Google and Apple’s in-app commissions, the cuts are even steeper, with the Premium plan dropping 47 percent to ₹470 per month and the Premium+ plan down 42 percent to ₹3,000 per month.

Despite these price reductions, the Basic plan remains unchanged on mobile, offering features such as longer posts, video uploads and limited editing capabilities. The Premium tier adds creator tools, a blue verification checkmark, and reduced ads, while Premium+ offers an ad-free experience, enhanced visibility, and tools like the Radar feature for real-time trends, the Moneycontrol report stated. 

Musk has long aimed to grow X’s subscription revenue to diversify beyond advertising. Yet, subscriptions remain a small part of the business; X grossed $16.5 million through in-app purchases globally on mobile devices as of December 2024, according to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures.

This week, Linda Yaccarino stepped down as CEO of X after a two-year tenure, leaving the company’s leadership in flux as Musk seeks to reposition X amid intensifying competition in the AI and social media landscape.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/from-a-walled-garden-to-a-concrete-jungle-advertisers-on-xs-hashtag-ban-and-vertical-ad-pricing-72711.htm">Read more: Advertisers on X’s hashtag ban and vertical ad pricing: Inward focus could trigger lower ad spends</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/linda-yaccarino-steps-down-from-x-as-ceo-73686.htm">Read more: Linda Yaccarino quits as CEO of Elon Musk's X</a>

Elon Musk’s X cuts subscription prices in India

In the ever-evolving world of social media, content creators have emerged as the new-age celebrities. With millions of followers and lucrative brand deals, they wield significant influence. However, the glitz and glamour come with a darker side - hate and harassment. 

In a revealing panel discussion moderated by Delshad Irani for Storyboard18, prominent content creators Ankush Bahuguna, Shibani Bedi, and Raj Grover opened up about their experiences with online hate on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, shedding light on the challenges they face in maintaining their mental health and authenticity.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/these-creators-reject-betting-ads-despite-3x-payouts-heres-why-73607.htm">These creators reject betting ads despite 3x payouts - here’s why</a>

The Rise of the Creator Economy

The discussion began with a reflection on the creators' journeys. Ankush Bahuguna, who started with Shibani Bedi in videos for publications, highlighted the shift from traditional media to the self-driven world of social media. "We were already scripting and featuring in videos. When social media platforms boomed, we thought, 'Why are we doing this for others when we can be a brand ourselves?'" he shared.

Bedi echoed this sentiment, recounting her journey from an actor to an Instagram creator during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I aggressively started posting content during COVID, and suddenly, the revenue started coming in. It became a full profession," she explained.

Raj Grover, who began his journey at the tender age of 13, noted the lack of guidance in his early days. "There were no proper creators back then. I started for fun, and it became what it is now," he said.

The Unseen Battle with Hate

Despite the success, the creators unanimously agreed that hate and negativity remain significant challenges. "The audience is brutal everywhere," Bahuguna admitted. "I think the major difference between Instagram and YouTube is also that YouTube people go with intention.”

Bedi, who has faced age-related shaming, shared her experience of being objectified. "It's not about the content; it's personal attacks like 'buddi,' which means old," she revealed, highlighting the viciousness of online trolls.

Grover, on the other hand, attributed his relatively positive experience to his family-friendly content. "My audience is very loyal. On YouTube, they are happy, but on Instagram, hate can come for your character," he noted. “If you are getting hate on Instagram, you'll get hate on your character and your everything. But on YouTube, you get hate for your content or sometimes as a person also,” he added.

Navigating the Fine Line Between Commerce and Creativity

The panel also delved into the struggle of balancing commercial viability with creative integrity. "There are brands that want your video to be an ad, and they control everything down to the clothes you wear," Bedi explained. "I try to be authentic and only endorse products I believe in."

Bahuguna emphasized the importance of negotiating creative freedom with brands. "You're paying me to conceptualize the video. Don't do my job. If you do, both of us won't benefit," he advised.

The Looming Threat of AI

As the discussion progressed, the creators expressed their concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the creator ecosystem. "AI can standardize the industry, making it less creative," Bahuguna cautioned. "It's scary to think brands can use AI to create with your likeness without you being involved."

Bedi added, "Our jobs are going to get very redundant very soon, which is what I fear. It's all improving and everything is evolving very fast. In the next one year, what the world is going to look like or what this ecosystem will look like is nobody knows."

Coping with Burnout and Seeking Balance

The conversation concluded on a reflective note, addressing the mental health challenges faced by creators. Bedi described the burnout as an isolating experience. "Creation is a very isolating job. The chase is never-ending, and it's tiresome," she confessed.

Bahuguna shared his approach to combating burnout by diversifying his content. "When I feel burnt out, I try something new. That's how I got into beauty content," he explained.

Grover, whose family plays an integral role in his content creation, highlighted the importance of support. "My parents help me a lot. The team support helps in burnout phases," he said.

A Call for Empathy and Understanding
As the panel wrapped up, the creators urged for greater empathy and understanding from audiences. "Everyone's an expert on the internet, but it's important to remember there's a person behind the screen," Bahuguna concluded.

Watch the whole episode here:

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From viral to vulnerable: Indian content creators speak out on hate on different platforms

In a riveting discussion with Steven Bartlett on his podcast "The Diary of a CEO," Kevin O'Leary a.k.a Mr. Wonderful, renowned investor and Shark Tank personality, delved into the unique approach that set tech Moghul Apple's Steve Jobs apart as an extraordinary visionary. 

O'Leary revealed that Jobs's brilliance was rooted in an intense focus on what's termed the "signal to noise" ratio.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/from-steve-jobs-to-seth-godin-ten-quotes-about-marketing-you-absolutely-should-read-34454.htm">From Steve Jobs to Seth Godin, ten quotes about marketing you absolutely should read</a>

Jobs's vision of the "signal" was clear-cut: identify the top three to five critical tasks that must be accomplished within the next 18 hours. "Not your vision for the business next week or next month or next year, just the next 18 hours you're awake," O'Leary explained.

The 'signal' was these essential tasks, and everything that detracted from them was deemed 'noise.'

The revolutionary concept of maintaining an 80:20 signal to noise ratio was a cornerstone of Jobs's success. "Eighty signal, twenty noise. He was right. He was right," O'Leary affirmed, noting that Jobs's focus was instrumental in his remarkable achievements. 

This disciplined approach ensured that every waking moment was devoted to progressing toward immediate, tangible goals, ultimately steering Apple to monumental success.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/elon-musks-tesla-to-launch-first-ever-experience-centre-in-india-on-july-15-74002.htm">Elon Musk’s Tesla to launch first-ever experience centre in India on July 15</a>

O'Leary further compared Jobs's methodology to another titan of innovation, Elon Musk, who, in O'Leary's view, operated at an even more extreme level. "He has no noise. He does not deal with noise. He is 100% signaled 60 seconds of every minute, 60 minutes of every hour," O'Leary remarked, underscoring Musk's relentless dedication to his work.

Reflecting on history, O'Leary posited that the trailblazers of their respective eras shared this near-total commitment to signal over noise. "The geniuses of their time were close to 100% signal," O'Leary stated. Their ability to concentrate on what truly matters, cutting through the distractions, is a testament to their enduring legacies.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/teslas-robotaxi-hits-the-us-streets-heres-what-a-ride-will-cost-71449.htm">Tesla’s Robotaxi hits the US streets, here's what a ride will cost</a>

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary decodes Steve Jobs' 80:20 signal to noise ratio

Job search platforms Glassdoor and Indeed have joined the wave of AI-driven job cuts. According to a report by Reuters news agency, Recruit Holdings, the parent firm of Indeed and Glassdoor, will be slashing 1,300 jobs across the two portals due to the adoption of AI in their daily operations.

The job cuts represent about 6% of the total workforce in the Japanese recruitment platform. 

As per the Reuters report, the company has offered pink slips to employees from the research & development, growth, people, and sustainability teams. 

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/intel-to-cut-over-500-jobs-in-oregon-as-layoffs-expand-nationwide-73655.html">Intel to cut over 500 jobs in Oregon as layoffs expand nationwide</a>

In an internal memo to employees, Recuit CEO Hisayuki "Debo" Idekoba said, "Ad is changing the world and we must adapt by ensuring our product delivers truly great experiences for job seekers and employers".

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/days-after-axing-thousands-of-jobs-microsoft-says-ai-helped-save-over-500-million-73731.html">Days after axing thousands of jobs, Microsoft says AI helped save over $500 million</a>

Further, Recruit will also reportedly merge Glassdoor operations into Indeed. Consequently, Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong will exit the company with effect from 1 October 2025. Moreover, Indeed's LaFawn Davis, who is the chief people and sustainability officer, will also step down from his position with effect from 1 September. Davis will be succeeded by Ayano Senaha, chief operating officer of Recruit.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/microsoft-planning-to-cut-thousands-more-jobs-targeting-sales-teams-71019.html">Microsoft planning to cut thousands more jobs, targeting sales teams</a>

Japanese firm Recruit acquired Indeed in 2021 and Glassdoor in 2018. As per a Reuters report, the company has an overall headcount of 20,000 employees in the HR technology business unit.

Last year, Indeed announced it would eliminate 1,000 of its staff following the job cut of about 2,200 in the previous year.

Recruit Holdings cuts 6% of workforce at Glassdoor, Indeed amid AI integration

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Intel, Pat Gelsinger, has unveiled his next business venture. After working for more tha 40-years at the semiconductor giant, Gelsinger will be working at business, ensuring that artificial intelligence serves the betterment of humanity.

According to a report by TechCrunch, Gelsinger has launched Flourishing AI, or FAI, in collaboration with "faith tech" company called Gloo. The new venture will test how well AI models aligns with certain human values.

The FAI benchmark is based on The Global Flourishing Study to measure human well-being around the world.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/digital/artificial-intelligence-a-new-frontier-for-competition-regulation-says-cci-chief-51843.html">Artificial Intelligence: A new frontier for competition regulation, says CCI chief</a>

According to the report, Gloo has adapted six core categories from the study--Character and Virtue, Close Social Relationships, Happiness and Life Satisfaction, Meaning and Purpose, Mental and Physical Health, Financial and Material Stability. Gloo added 'Faith and Spirituality' as well to test the large language models (LLMs).

Gelsinger, in an interview with The New Stack said, he lived at the intersection of faith tech his entire life.

Last year, in December, Gelsinger was forced out less than four years after taking the helm of Intel. The board asked Gelsinger that he could either retire or be removed, and he chose to step down, as per Reuters report.

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Gelsinger in 2021 inherited a company rife with challenges that he compounded. Under his leadership, he announced his turnaround plan when the company was witnessing troubled years due to bad decisions taken regarding manufacturing operations. Besides, Gelsinger failed to field an effective AI chip challenger to Nvidia.

Following Gelsinger's resignation, Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as company's new CEO with effective from March 2025.

Former Intel CEO launches AI venture focused on human values

Software service giant TCS, which released its quarter 1 results for the fiscal year 2025, is yet to decide on salary hikes for its employees as global macroeconomic uncertainties have intensified. 


Tata Consultancy Services' Chief Human Resources Officer, Milind Lakkad, said, "We have not made any decision so far on wage hikes. We will let you know as soon as we do".

The CHRO added that he will share an update on the timing and quantity of the hike when the situation improves. 

TCS has temporarily paused salary hikes, primarily due to the US tariff war. The company is expecting clarity on the global economic environment once more countries start signing bilateral trade deals with the US.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/tcs-attrition-rate-holds-steady-at-13-8-in-q1-fy26-headcount-stands-at-613069-73845.html">TCS attrition rate holds steady at 13.8% in Q1 FY26, headcount stands at 613,069</a>


Moreover, TCS is also finding it difficult to immediately absorb the 42,000 freshers it recruited last year. However, Lakkad said the company will honour the offers, and added, "How many and when they will come will depend on the business situation".

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tcs-top-executives-annual-increment-plunges-by-over-50-in-5-years-67673.html">TCS top executives annual increment plunges by over 50% in 5 years</a>

For the current fiscal year 2026, TCS has targeted to hire 40,000 engineering graduates until now. The targets may fluctuate depending on the business performance.

TCS added 5,090 employees during the Q1 FY26, taking the total headcount to 613,069. Attrition of the company escalated to 13.8% in the last 12-month period. Last year, the attrition of the company was 12.1 percent.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tcs-cuts-ad-and-marketing-expenses-ramps-up-genai-tech-to-boost-brand-visiblity-67591.html">TCS cuts ad and marketing expenses, ramps up GenAI tech to boost brand visiblity</a>

According to the stock exchange filing, TCS's profit soared to Rs 12,760 crore during the April-June quarter--an increase of 6 percent year-on-year in fiscal year 2026. Moreover, the total revenue witnessed a marginal rise of 1.31% to Rs 63,437 crore in Q1 FY26. In the previous fiscal in Q1, TCS clocked a total income of Rs 62,613 crore.

The banking and financial services segment revenue stood at Rs 24,736 crore, followed by consumer business at Rs 10,155 crore, Communication, Media & Technology at Rs 9,436 crore, and Manufacturing at Rs 6,401 crore, respectively.

Notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data unit delivered robust growth during the June quarter of FY26. "Demand was led by AI-led transformation, SDLC/IT-Ops automation, and data-platform modernization," TCS said in its Q1 FY26 report.

TCS yet to decide on salary hikes for employees amid economic uncertainty

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has been officially notified by France's competition authority over suspicions of abusing its dominant position in the online advertising sector, according to media reports.

The authority confirmed on Wednesday that a statement of objections has been sent to Meta, indicating that the tech giant is under formal investigation.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/meta-wins-copyright-battle-against-authors-over-ai-training-industry-practices-questioned-71956.htm">Meta wins copyright battle against authors over AI training, industry practices questioned</a>

The probe stems from a complaint filed in October 2022 by Adloox, a digital advertising verification company, now owned by the U.S.-based Scope3. A spokesperson from the competition watchdog confirmed the origins of the case to Reuters.

This development adds to the mounting legal challenges Meta is facing across Europe. In April, major French media groups - including TF1, France Télévisions, and BFM TV - filed lawsuits accusing Meta of engaging in unlawful business practices related to its ad operations.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/social-media/meta-urges-judge-to-dismiss-ftc-monopoly-case-over-instagram-whatsapp-deals-66129.htm">Meta urges judge to dismiss FTC monopoly case over Instagram, WhatsApp deals</a>

Further scrutiny looms in Spain, where the company is expected to stand trial this October over a massive 551 million euros ($645 million) complaint, the report added.
The case has been brought by more than 80 Spanish media outlets alleging Meta's advertising model creates unfair competition.

Beyond France and Spain, Meta has also been targeted by rights groups and regulators across Europe. In February, digital rights campaigners filed complaints over the company's advertising practices. And just this week, EU antitrust regulators imposed fresh fines on both Meta and Apple for violating EU competition laws.

Meta has yet to publicly respond to the French authority's latest action, the report added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/meta-and-tiktok-challenge-supervisory-fee-in-major-eu-court-69865.htm">Meta and TikTok challenge supervisory fee in major EU court</a>

Meta faces French antitrust heat over alleged ad market dominance

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Thursday announced its Quarter 1 results for the fiscal year 2025. The IT services firm reported a 13.8 percent attrition rate over the last twelve months in the quarter ended on June 30, 2025, slightly higher than the 13.8 percent recorded in Q4 of FY25.

The software giant's workforce strength stood at 613,069, with 6,071 employees added in Q1.

According to the stock exchange filing, TCS's profit soared to Rs 12,760 crore during the April-June quarter--an increase of 6 percent year-on-year in fiscal year 2026. Moreover, the total revenue witnessed a marginal rise of 1.31% to Rs 63,437 crore in Q1 FY26. In the previous fiscal in Q1, TCS clocked a total income of Rs 62,613 crore.

The banking and financial services segment revenue stood at Rs 24,736 crore, followed by consumer business at Rs 10,155 crore, Communication, Media & Technology at Rs 9,436 crore, and Manufacturing at Rs 6,401 crore, respectively.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tcs-cuts-ad-and-marketing-expenses-ramps-up-genai-tech-to-boost-brand-visiblity-67591.html">TCS attrition rate holds steady at 13.8% in Q1 FY26, headcount stands at 613,069</a>

TCS' Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, K Krithivasan, mentioned that all services witnessed growth during the quarter despite the global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data unit delivered robust growth during the June quarter of FY26. "Demand was led by AI-led transformation, SDLC/IT-Ops automation, and data-platform modernization," TCS said in its Q1 FY26 report.

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"We are investing across the AI ecosystem, including infrastructure, data platform solutions, AI agents, and business applications. Launching TCS SovereignSecureTM Cloud, TCS DigiBOLTTM, and TCS Cyber Defense Suite, to accelerate India’s AI-led transformation, was a particular highlight of this quarter," Aarthi Subramanian, Executive Director - President and Chief Operating Officer, said.

Besides AI, the growth for the quarter was led by TCS Interactive and Cyber Security, the filing added. TCS Interactive is a business focused on operational excellence and innovation.

"We continued our investments in long-term sustainable growth this quarter. We stayed agile and adapted to the dynamic environment, delivering steady margins. Our industry-leading profitability alongside robust cash conversion positions us well to make strategic investments for the future," according to TCS' Chief Financial Officer Samir Seksaria said.

TCS attrition rate holds steady at 13.8% in Q1 FY26, headcount stands at 613,069

Global advertising and communications company WPP announced today that Cindy Rose has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2025. 

Rose will take over from Mark Read, who is stepping down after more than two decades at the company, including six years as CEO. Read will remain with WPP through the end of the year to support a smooth leadership transition.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cindy-rose-to-succeed-mark-read-as-wpp-ceo-73778.htm">Microsoft's Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO</a>

A veteran of global tech, media, and telecom giants

Rose brings an impressive portfolio of experience across some of the world's most influential companies. Over the past nine years, she has held key senior roles at Microsoft, including COO of Global Enterprise, where she focused on leveraging digital technologies and AI to drive large-scale business transformation.

Prior to that, she served as President of Microsoft Western Europe and CEO of Microsoft UK, making her one of the most senior women in the tech industry globally.

Her career also includes high-impact leadership roles such as Managing Director of Vodafone UK's consumer business, and Executive Director of Digital Entertainment and Media Sales at Virgin Media.

Rose spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, where she was elevated to the role of SVP and MD of Disney Interactive Media Group for EMEA.

A familiar face at WPP

Although stepping into a new executive role, Rose is no stranger to WPP. She has served as a Non-Executive Director on the company's board since 2019, providing strategic guidance on digital transformation and digital innovation.

She holds dual British and American citizenship, and will divide her time between London and New York as she takes the helm of the global agency network.

Honours, education, and advisory roles

Cindy Rose was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2019 New Year Honours for her services to the UK technology sector.

She is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member at Imperial College Business School in London and McLaren Racing.

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TECHNOLOGY