In a recent update Beijing-based artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has entered into early-stage negotiations with Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to host its flagship Kimi K3 model on their respective cloud platforms.
Moonshot is seeking up to a 30% share of the revenue generated from K3-related services hosted on Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud.
These proposed terms mirror the structure Moonshot applies to other large enterprise customers utilizing its open-weight architecture.
If finalized, the agreements would represent the first major revenue-sharing arrangement between a Chinese AI developer and U.S. cloud hyperscalers.
Sources indicate the talks remain strictly preliminary. Unresolved complexities include establishing exact revenue distribution mechanics, data access protocols, and auditing standards for token usage.
Despite strong performance benchmarks—including top-tier results in web interface building evaluations and surging popularity due to low pricing, the talks coincide with growing regulatory headwinds.Â
U.S. officials have flagged potential national security concerns, and the company faces looming possibilities of trade blacklisting.
For Moonshot, backed by Chinese giants like Alibaba and eyeing a high-profile Hong Kong listing—securing distribution through Western cloud giants provides vital access to a broader international enterprise customer base.
