In a recent funding round, Beijing-based AI startup BaiChuan Intelligence has secured an impressive $300 million. Founded by former Sogou CEO, Wang Xiaochun, BaiChuan aims to carve a significant niche in the realm of large-scale AI models, akin to OpenAI's endeavors.
The substantial funding round was backed by notable tech giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi, along with several top-tier investment firms. This financial backing has propelled BaiChuan Intelligence into the unicorn status, representing a significant milestone in China's booming AI industry.
Following the footsteps of OpenAI, BaiChuan has been committed to developing and offering general AI services, with a keen focus on large foundational models and disruptive upper-layer applications. The firm's core team comprises seasoned AI professionals from tech behemoths like Google, Tencent, Baidu, Huawei, Microsoft, and ByteDance. With a current team size of over 170, research and development personnel constitute more than 80% of the workforce, showcasing the firm's dedication towards innovation.
Over the past six months, BaiChuan has been prolific in releasing a slew of large models. These include four open-source models, Baichuan-7B/13B and Baichuan2-7B/13B, which have been freely available for commercial use. Additionally, two closed-source models, Baichuan-53B and Baichuan2-53B, were also launched. The company has set a remarkable pace, averaging a new model release every 28 days. These models have garnered notable recognition, with over six million downloads for the open-source models, and leading rankings in authoritative evaluation benchmarks.
BaiChuan's journey reflects a broader trend in China's AI industry, bolstered by the rise of large models. The successful funding round not only marks a significant stride for BaiChuan but also underscores the escalating momentum in China's AI race, where new startups are swiftly achieving unicorn status.
This development is a part of a growing movement within China's AI sector, where new entrants are rapidly advancing and securing substantial financial backing to fuel their ambitious projects. With the fresh infusion of capital, BaiChuan is well-poised to accelerate its mission of becoming a leading player in the global AI landscape, embodying China's aspirations in the AI frontier.
