Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI reportedly secured access to Nvidia's powerful B300 chips through a server rental deal in August 2026. Documents reviewed by Bloomberg show an arrangement involving 32 Super Micro servers worth 432 million yuan (USD 64.8 million) in China.
The disclosure raises fresh questions about how Chinese AI companies access advanced American hardware despite US export restrictions.
The documents describe a financing arrangement involving Lingmeixin (Beijing) Technology and Beijing Zhongguancun Bank. They name Moonshot's main operating company as the customer receiving computing services from the server owner.
The agreement suggests a possible route for accessing restricted Nvidia hardware without directly purchasing the chips.
The two financing agreements are dated August 4, while the bank submitted them on August 6. The documents place the servers in China and value each unit at approximately 13.5 million yuan. This price is approximately 350% higher than the reported US market rate, highlighting the high cost of restricted AI hardware.
However, Moonshot has rejected claims linking the company to the financing arrangement. A company spokesperson told Bloomberg, "We currently have no business relationship with Lingmeixin." The spokesperson also said Moonshot neither authorized nor knew about the related financing agreements.
Nvidia and Super Micro also denied direct business connections with the companies involved. Nvidia said the entities were not its customers and received no replacement products, services or support. Super Micro also stressed its commitment to following US export and re-export control laws.
The disclosure comes as Washington increases pressure on companies supplying advanced AI chips to China. US export rules generally restrict sales of Nvidia's most powerful processors without specific government approval. Bloomberg could not confirm whether the reported arrangement received the required license.
The development also highlights China's continued dependence on American hardware for advanced AI development. Moonshot develops the Kimi AI models and plans to expand its position in the competitive AI market. The company is reportedly preparing for a potential Hong Kong listing next year.
The key question now concerns how advanced Nvidia chips reach Chinese AI companies despite export restrictions. The reported arrangement also puts greater attention on server rentals and financing deals involving restricted technology.
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