DeepSeek V4: 1M context, 90% cheaper than frontier models.

Why this matters: Cheap intelligence changes behavior faster than premium intelligence.

The move:
- Chinese team built long-context models with domestic chips
- Priced 70-80% below OpenAI/Claude
- Forced global vendors to defend margins

What to do:
1. Audit which tasks need frontier models (legal, investor messaging)
2. Shift commodity work (tagging, summarization) to cheaper models
3. Test multi-vendor setup before you need it
4. Watch model spend weekly

Takeaway: The AI cost floor just dropped. Startups that split tasks by value will outrun those paying premium rates for everything.

Brewed by Startup Beaker.

#AIStartups #Founders