DeepSeek is taking steps to convert its technology into a profitable business. This signal comes from a recent update in the AI startup’s business registry aiming toward commercialization.
Tianyancha, a business registry service, has shared that Deepseek has included “internet information services” in its official business scope. The South China Morning Post reported this update.
According to Zhang Yi, the founder and chief analyst of the iiMedia consultancy, the Chinese AI chatbot has taken the first step toward monetizing its economical LLMs. Zhang added that as the Chinese AI player expands its business model, it aims to transition away from being a pure research and development-driven startup.
He said, “The move reflects that for a company like DeepSeek, which managed to accumulate technology and develop a product, monetization is becoming a necessary next step.”
DeepSeek moves beyond research following the surge in adoption
Until now, DeepSeek’s business registration has been based on a research-heavy approach, focusing on AI software development and engineering.
After it found success, a hedge fund, High Flyer, financially backed the AI startup. In the past few weeks, its AI models, V3 and R1, have also seen growing adoption in different sectors in China.
Chinese smartphone companies like Oppo, Huawei, Vivo, Lenovo, and Honor included DeepSeek’s AI models in their digital assistants. Moreover, Tencent and Baidu are competing to use these models for their search engines. Even automobile companies like BYD, Geely, Great Wall Motor, and SAICare also integrate Chinese AI startup models into their vehicles.
As the ChatGPT challenger has recently become China’s national pride, government agencies are also exploring its technology for interpretation and public services.
Wang Xianzu, who formerly worked with High Flyer hedge fund, has also joined the startup as its new Finance Director.
The growing adoption of DeepSeek may be propelling the startup toward commercialization. However, the company has not commented on this recent development yet.
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