Saudi Arabia Reportedly Backs Chinese AI Startup
The move comes amidst US-imposed restrictions targeting China's AI sector, including limits on access to advanced AI chips.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly funded Microsoft Corp backed OpenAI’s rival in China, Zhipu AI.[1]
Read More: Saudi Arabia Plans Aramco Shares Sale
The Financial Times revealed that Prosperity7, an arm of the state-owned oil group Saudi Aramco, was the sole foreign investor in Zhipu AI's recent funding round.
Amid escalating tensions between the US and China over AI development, Zhipu AI has faced increasing reliance on local investment and government backing.
The startup, recognized as China's largest generative AI firm in terms of staff numbers, has garnered support from prominent Chinese entities such as Alibaba Cloud and Tencent, alongside state investors like the National Social Security Fund.
The move comes amidst US-imposed restrictions targeting China's AI sector, including limits on access to advanced AI chips and bans on certain US investments in the industry. In response, Chinese authorities have urged domestic tech companies to prioritize locally-made AI chips.