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AI Founder Erects 'Firewalls' Amid Geopolitical Tech Tensions
28 Apr
Summary
- MiroMind implements strict information and code separation between China and overseas.
- The founder calls this necessary compromise due to regulatory scrutiny.
- This separation aims to facilitate fundraising and international business management.
Tech founder Chen Tianqiao has implemented strict internal firewalls to separate MiroMind's Chinese and overseas operations. This decision was prompted by regulatory inquiries following Meta's acquisition of Manus. The protocols prohibit cross-border sharing of information, code, personnel, data, and assets.
Chen describes this as a "regrettable but necessary template" for navigating geopolitical tensions and regulatory environments. He believes this separation, although difficult, is crucial for MiroMind to raise capital and effectively manage an international business. The company has invested $100 million into MiroMind as part of a larger $2 billion commitment to "discoverable AI."
MiroMind employs over 60 scientists in locations including Singapore, Tokyo, and Seattle. The startup is preparing for its first external fundraising round in the second half of 2026, nearing meaningful revenue from deals with asset managers and energy infrastructure providers. The company's restructuring aims to avoid the regulatory uncertainty that impacted Manus.
The Manus situation, which involved a China-founded company relocating its headquarters and staff to Singapore before a controversial acquisition, highlighted the complexities of cross-border tech deals. Beijing ordered the Manus deal unwound due to concerns over illegal tech transfers, intensifying scrutiny on AI firms and foreign investment.
