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[return to "OpenAI reaches agreement to buy Windsurf for $3B"]
1. retorn+j62[view] [source] 2025-05-06 19:52:22
>>swyx+(OP)
I'm skeptical about this VSCode fork commanding a $3 billion valuation when it depends on API services it doesn't own. What's their moat here?

For comparison, JetBrains generates over $400 million in annual revenue and is valued around $7 billion. They've built proprietary technology and deep expertise in that market over decades.

If AI (terminology aside) replaces many professional software engineers and programmers like some of its fierce advocates say it would, wouldn't their potential customer base shrink?

Professionals typically drive enterprise revenue, while hobbyists—who might become the primary users—generally don't support the same business model or spending levels.

What am I missing here?

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2. Illniy+mt2[view] [source] 2025-05-06 22:39:19
>>retorn+j62
Cursor purports 200m in projected yearly revenue. With some months having 40% month over month growth. The trajectory is vastly different.

Whether or not it's justified is a different matter, but for startups valuations are more about potential then current performance.

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3. retorn+AS2[view] [source] 2025-05-07 03:21:59
>>Illniy+mt2
Cursor purports $300M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) but stays silent on churn.

They made $25M from subscriptions one month, took that number, multiplied it by 12, arrived at $300M and everyone has been running with that line without ever asking what their churn looks like.

They could have churned $24M the next month, ask yourself why they are silent on churn if they are doing so well.

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