Tian Keyu, a former ByteDance intern and recent Peking University master’s graduate, has raised nearly US$30 million from investors including 5Y Capital and IDG Capital for an unnamed AI startup developing world models. The startup has a post-money valuation of US$200 million.

World models are AI systems that simulate real-world physics for applications such as robotics and interactive video. Investor interest in the field in China is growing.

Tian was dismissed by ByteDance in 2024 over what the company called a serious violation. A court later ordered him to pay 500,000 yuan, about US$75,000, for breach of contract, according to a court ruling. ByteDance had sought US$1.1 million in damages in the dispute.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

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