India/Asia AI thaw with elite non-US mega-rounds
Key Questions
What major AI funding rounds are happening in Asia outside the US?
DeepSeek is raising a $7 billion maiden round with Tencent and CATL as key external investors, while the founder contributes $2 billion. Other deals include Sarvam at $350 million, Tripo AI at $200 million, and Astribot reaching a $1.4 billion valuation in embodied AI.
How much AI funding has China seen recently?
China recorded $16.2 billion in AI funding during Q1, signaling a strong push for self-sufficiency. This includes DeepSeek's large round and other initiatives like the Sovereign AI Park to support talent and development.
What is happening with Indian semiconductor and AI startups?
Indian semiconductor startups raised $92 million over five months, alongside deals like Deccan AI's $25 million round using human-in-the-loop methods. Government efforts and talent migration are further diversifying Asia's deal flow.
Sarvam $350M; DeepSeek $7B maiden round (Tencent, CATL, founder putting $2B) — signals China's AI self-sufficiency push; China AI funding $16.2B Q1; Deccan AI $25M (human-in-the-loop). India semiconductor startups $92M in 5 months. Asia deal flow diversifies with Tripo AI $200M, Scapia $63M, Astribot $1.4B valuation (Chinese embodied AI). Talent migration and government initiatives (Sovereign AI Park).