챗봇 서비스 및 AI 시장 동향 — 2026-07-08
As China tightens regulations on human-like AI agents, big tech firms are pulling the plug on related services. Meanwhile, global venture capital is gravitating heavily toward AI infrastructure. Although the first half of 2026 saw a record 90 new unicorns and massive funding, capital is increasingly concentrated in just a few mega-deals.
챗봇 서비스 및 AI 시장 동향 — 2026-07-08
Key Competitor Updates
Chinese Big Tech Halts AI Agent Services
Major Chinese tech companies are shutting down their personalized AI agent services. This move comes ahead of new regulations taking effect on July 15, which aim to curtail AI assistants designed to interact in human-like ways. The Cyberspace Administration of China is pushing these rules, citing concerns over "extremism and addiction."
Anthropic Claude Leads in AI Safety
In the 2026 H1 AI Safety Index by the Future of Life Institute, Anthropic Claude ranked first, while xAI dropped from 4th to 7th place. France's Mistral climbed to 9th.
Market and Strategic Trends
79% of Global AI Investment Flows to Infrastructure
In the first week of July, 79% of global AI investment—totaling $9.9 billion—went into AI infrastructure. Notable deals include Aramco leading an $800 million investment in Together AI, Crusoe raising $3 billion, and Schneider Electric acquiring Cognite for $3.1 billion.
South Korean Startup Funding Surpasses 3.7 Trillion Won in H1
Investment in South Korean startups exceeded 3.7 trillion won in the first half of 2026, driven by bio/healthcare (approx. 1.5 trillion won) and AI/semiconductors (approx. 1.4 trillion won). Major deals included Rebellions (640 billion won), LegoChem Biosciences (500 billion won), and Upstage (180 billion won).
Record 90 Unicorns Born, Capital Concentration Deepens
The first half of 2026 saw a record 90 new unicorns globally alongside record-high investment levels. However, capital polarization is intensifying, with two platforms accounting for 43% of total funding.
Industry Insights and Data Summary
Evolution from Chatbots to Physical World Control
Experts note that the AI industry is shifting away from the "large conversational assistant" narrative toward AI capable of controlling the physical world. This aligns with the trend of capital flowing toward infrastructure-focused AI.
Warning: Chatbot-Based Marketing Scams
A warning has been issued regarding fraudulent AI marketing schemes promising to "boost company presence on ChatGPT." These schemes often use big-name logos to build false credibility while failing to prove actual results in AI search optimization.
Smilegate Orange Planet Prioritizes AI and Deep Tech for H2 2026
The Smilegate Orange Planet Startup Foundation has opened applications for the second half of the year, prioritizing future-oriented fields like AI and deep tech to reflect global investment trends.
Key Trend Summary
- Tightened Regulation: China's rules on human-like AI accelerate the shutdown of existing agent services.
- Investment Shift: Capital is moving from chatbots toward AI infrastructure and physical world control.
- Deepening Polarization: The concentration of capital into mega-deals is making it harder for smaller startups to secure funding.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
