Low-profile AI firm MetaSota recently received a significant investment from Ant Group, a leading company in the tech industry. This investment, totaling over RMB 100 million, has boosted MetaSota’s valuation to an impressive $150 million. The deal signifies Ant Group’s continued interest in expanding its artificial intelligence investment portfolio.
While the investment amount may be less compared to what other companies in the AI field have received recently, it is still a significant milestone for MetaSota. The fact that Baidu and Tencent also considered participating in the funding shows the growing interest in AI technology among major players in the industry. Ultimately, Ant Group, in collaboration with investment fund Lightspeed China Partners, secured the deal with MetaSota.
MetaSota, founded by Min Kerui, is not new to collaborations with Ant Group. In 2018, one of Min’s ventures, BosonNLP, was acquired by Ant Group. Following this acquisition, Min established MetaSota, which has since become a hub for various AI products, including a legal AI translation tool and article generation software. The company recently launched an AI-powered search tool that garnered over 7 million visits, solidifying its position as a key player in the AI market in China.
Ant Group’s investment in MetaSota is part of a larger trend of the company investing in Chinese AI firms. Since the emergence of ChatGPT and the subsequent boom in artificial intelligence products, Ant Group has invested in several companies, including ZhipuAI, Moonshot AI, AIsphere, ShengshuAI, and MoffettAI. This strategic move highlights Ant Group’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation in the AI sector.
In the context of the growing AI industry in China, Ant Group’s investments play a crucial role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. By supporting companies like MetaSota, Ant Group is not only fostering innovation but also fueling the development of cutting-edge AI technologies that have the potential to transform various industries.
Cheyenne Dong, a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covers a wide range of tech topics, including e-commerce, retail, AI, and blockchain. Her insights and coverage of the tech industry provide valuable information for readers interested in the latest developments in the field. Connect with Cheyenne Dong via email to stay updated on the latest tech news and trends.
