Chinese AI startup DeepSeek on Friday launched its V4-Flash model, which research firm Artificial Analysis named the cheapest AI model to run. Averaging three cents per benchmark test, it is over 100 times cheaper than Anthropic's Claude Fable 5. V4-Flash matched Google's Gemini 3.6 Flash on intelligence tests, while DeepSeek, according to official sources, is reportedly preparing for an IPO.