Cursor Acquires Growth by Design to Strengthen AI Hiring Capabilities

November 15, 2025
AI coding startup Cursor has acquired recruiting strategy firm Growth by Design, which previously supported companies like OpenAI, to expand its in-house hiring operations and meet rising demand for its coding software.

AI coding startup Cursor has acquired Growth by Design, a recruiting strategy firm that has supported leading AI companies including OpenAI, reports Bloomberg. The acquisition will bring Growth by Design’s operations into Cursor’s in-house recruiting team, ending the firm’s work with other clients. Financial details were not disclosed.

Founded in 2019, Growth by Design has worked with more than 500 technology firms, offering recruiting advice and training, and direct hiring support. Some of its 30 employees will join Cursor as part of the deal, while others will not. Co-founder Adam Ward and partner Mike Joyner will move to Cursor, while co-founder Jill Macri will not.

Cursor, launched in 2023, has grown rapidly with its AI-infused coding software, recently surpassing $1 billion in annualized revenue. The company said it has raised $2.3 billion at a $29.3 billion valuation and expanded its workforce from 60 employees in April to more than 300. Growth by Design had been working with Cursor since January, helping it scale its hiring to meet demand for its software.

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