PeopleofSuperintelligence

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Scott Wu

Scott Wu is chief executive of Cognition, the startup behind Devin, an AI software engineer. Before founding Cognition, he won three gold medals at the International Olympiad in Informatics and placed first in 2014. He co-founded Cognition in November 2023 with Walden Yan and Steven Hao, and in March 2024 he published the post introducing Devin. Cognition announced plans to buy the rival Windsurf in July 2025 and raised $1 billion at a $26 billion valuation in May 2026. In August 2026, he denied a report that SpaceX tried to acquire the company.

Timeline

  1. 2014

    A first place at the IOI

    At the International Olympiad in Informatics, he wins three gold medals and places first in 2014.

  2. 2017–2022

    Co-founding Lunchclub

    In 2017, he co-founds Lunchclub and serves as its CTO until 2022.

  3. November 2023

    Co-founding Cognition

    With Walden Yan and Steven Hao, he co-founds Cognition in November 2023.

  4. March 2024–April 2024

    Devin and a $2 billion valuation

    He publishes the post introducing Devin, the first AI software engineer, in March 2024. In April 2024, Cognition raises $175 million led by Founders Fund at a $2 billion valuation.

  5. July 2025

    Buying rival Windsurf

    In July 2025, Cognition announces plans to buy rival Windsurf.

  6. September 2025

    Valuation reaches $10.2 billion

    In September 2025, a new funding round lifts Cognition's valuation to $10.2 billion.

  7. May 2026

    A $1 billion funding round

    In May 2026, Cognition raises $1 billion at a $26 billion valuation.

  8. As of October 2026

    Chief executive of Cognition

    He is chief executive of Cognition, and in August 2026 he denies a report that SpaceX tried to acquire the company.

Sources and credits

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  1. Scott Wu - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org. Checked 14 October 2026.
  2. Cognition AI Raises $175M at $2B Valuation, One Month After Series A maginative.com. Checked 14 October 2026.
  3. Introducing Devin, the first AI software engineer | Cognition cognition.com. Checked 14 October 2026.
  4. AI coding assistant startup Cognition acquires rival Windsurf - SiliconANGLE siliconangle.com. Checked 14 October 2026.
  5. Cognition Furthers Intense Growth Momentum With $400M Raise | Built In builtin.com. Checked 14 October 2026.
  6. Cognition's Scott Wu says AI coding agents shouldn't replace humans | TechCrunch techcrunch.com. Checked 14 October 2026.
  7. Cognition CEO denies report that SpaceX tried to acquire the startup | TechCrunch techcrunch.com. Checked 14 October 2026.