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Moonshot AI Seeks 30% Revenue Cut from Microsoft, Amazon, Google for Kimi K3

ai-technology · 2026-08-26

Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI is in negotiations with Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to offer its Kimi K3 model through their cloud platforms. According to Reuters, citing three sources close to the matter, Moonshot AI is requesting up to 30% of the revenue that Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud generate from services tied to K3. This move marks a significant shift in the AI industry, as Chinese AI companies seek to monetize their models through Western cloud infrastructure. The negotiations, if successful, would allow U.S. cloud giants to offer Kimi K3 to their customers, potentially expanding Moonshot AI's reach globally. The revenue-sharing model is notable, as it could set a precedent for how AI models are distributed and monetized. Moonshot AI, known for its Kimi series of large language models, is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI market. The talks are ongoing, and no final agreements have been reached. This development underscores the growing interdependence between Chinese AI developers and Western tech companies, despite geopolitical tensions.

Key facts

  • Moonshot AI is negotiating with Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to offer its Kimi K3 model.
  • The startup is asking for up to 30% of revenue from cloud services tied to K3.
  • The negotiations were reported by Reuters, citing three people close to the matter.
  • The cloud platforms involved are Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud.
  • The deal would allow U.S. cloud giants to offer Kimi K3 to their customers.
  • No final agreements have been reached yet.
  • This could set a precedent for revenue-sharing in AI model distribution.
  • The talks highlight the growing interdependence between Chinese AI firms and Western tech companies.

Entities

Institutions

  • Moonshot AI
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Alphabet
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Google Cloud
  • AWS
  • Amazon Bedrock

Locations

  • China
  • United States

Sources