Microsoft sells OpenAI models to major Chinese tech firms

Key Takeaways

Microsoft makes big AI inroads in China

Microsoft is growing its AI business in China by selling OpenAI models to major Chinese tech firms like ByteDance, Ant Group, Meituan, and Tencent. Despite US-China AI rivalry and concerns from competitors, Microsoft continues to offer AI models and tools, fueling rapid revenue growth in the region. Microsoft's China AI sales come at a time when OpenAI and Anthropic avoid direct model sales in the country over intellectual property and security concerns. Microsoft President Brad Smith said China accounted for about 1.5% of total revenue in 2024.

Microsoft scores massive China AI win

Microsoft has built a fast-expanding artificial intelligence business in China, with several large Chinese technology firms using AI models through Azure. ByteDance, the parent of TikTok, has recently been Microsoft's biggest AI customer and could spend more than $1 billion a year on Microsoft AI and cloud services. Microsoft's other major users in China include Ant Group, Meituan and Tencent.

Microsoft sells OpenAI models in China

Microsoft is significantly growing its AI business in China, with ByteDance reportedly spending over $1 billion annually on its cloud and AI services. Despite US-China AI rivalry and concerns from competitors like OpenAI, Microsoft continues to sell AI models to major Chinese tech firms, fueling rapid revenue growth in the region.

Microsoft expands AI business in China

Microsoft has built a big business selling artificial intelligence models to Chinese companies despite the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China over the technology. Social media and AI giant ByteDance has generally been Microsoft’s biggest AI customer in recent years, largely using OpenAI models. Microsoft finds it useful to have a presence in China to keep up with local innovations and serve multinational customers.

Investors plan to buy back AI firm from Meta

The early Chinese backers of AI startup Manus are planning to buy the company back from Meta for $2 billion. Manus has grown significantly after the Meta deal, with an annualized revenue run rate of between $400 million and $500 million. Early investors, including HSG, ZhenFund, and Tencent, are participating in the buyback.

Meta signs new AI computing deals

Meta Platforms has secured new agreements to get AI computing power from data center developer Crusoe. The deal includes roughly 1.6 gigawatts of capacity combined across two sites located in Childress, Texas, and Warrenton, Missouri. Meta has pledged billions of dollars into AI data centers and computing power.

AI-proofing your life

AI is a technology with the power to upend jobs, investments, and security. But there are ways to AI-proof your life. Building resilience into your life can boost your chances of thriving in a world where machines can do a lot of things humans can do.

Figma CEO on AI and Silicon Valley

Figma CEO says AI is making Silicon Valley's billionaires feel like kids again. Figma delivered $250 million in Q2 2025 revenue, up 41% year over year. The company launched an ad campaign pushing back on the 'design is dead' narrative.

Tech workers rethink AI use

Tech workers maxed out their AI use and are now trying to minimize it. Companies like Meta, Uber, and Walmart are limiting AI use due to rising costs. The reversal underlines how AI use remains in flux as people try to figure out how to best use the tools.

SpaceX's epic fundraising for AI

SpaceX is planning a massive fundraising campaign for AI, with plans to seek at least $20 billion in a bond deal. The company's capital expenditure could surpass $700 billion a year by 2031. SpaceX aims to build out its AI ambitions, including orbital data centers and a colony on Mars.

a16z's New Media initiative

Andreessen Horowitz's New Media initiative celebrates one year, offering startups 'go-direct as a service' through creative production, owned channels, and expert support. The initiative operates on four primary fronts: in-house creative, owned channels, full-service approach, and network leverage.

Parspec showcases AI-native sales platform

Parspec plans to showcase its AI-native sales management platform at the Light! Design Expo in San Francisco. The platform aims to consolidate quoting and project management into a single system, enabling agencies to submit more bids and improve win rates.

Japan bank lobby warns of cyberattacks

Japanese bank lobby warns of potential service disruptions due to AI-enabled cyberattacks. Sophisticated AI models can quickly identify vulnerabilities in software systems, posing a serious threat to the banking system.

Orlando Bravo's AI reboot

Orlando Bravo attempts an AI-era reboot after his software buyout firm faced significant losses. Bravo is seeking to ensure his empire is ready for the era of artificial intelligence and reassure investors that a debt-laden bet on online customer surveys is a one-off.

Sources

• Microsoft makes big AI inroads in China by selling OpenAI models
• Microsoft Scores Massive China AI Win as TikTok Parent Eyes $1 Billion Spend
• Microsoft makes big AI inroads in China by selling OpenAI models
• Microsoft makes big AI inroads in China by selling OpenAI models
• Manus original investors plan to buy back AI firm from Meta for $2 billion, The Information reports
• Meta signs new AI computing deals with data center firm Crusoe, Bloomberg News reports
• How To 'AI Proof' Your Life Before It's Too Late
• The Figma CEO Says AI Is Making Silicon Valley's Billionaires Feel Like Kids Again
• Tech Workers Maxed Out Their A.I. Use. Now They’re Trying to Minimize It.
• SpaceX’s epic fundraising campaign for AI has only just begun
• a16z's New Media Play
• Parspec Showcases AI-Native Sales Management Platform for Architectural Lighting Reps
• Japan bank lobby warns of potential service disruptions due to AI-enabled cyberattacks
• Software Buyout King Orlando Bravo Attempts an AI-Era Reboot