DeepSeek Considers Doubling Latest Funding Round to Up to $15 Billion, Sources Say
China's DeepSeek Weighs Upsizing Funding Round to Up to $14.9 Billion, Sources Tell CNBC, and the Final Amount Could Still Change in Final Talks.
TL;DR
- DeepSeek is considering increasing its funding round target to 100 billion yuan ($14.9 billion), double the initial goal.
- State-backed funds and corporate investors are showing strong interest in the AI startup.
- DeepSeek is prioritizing government and corporate funds, turning away private investment funds from individual investors.
- The company is seeking a valuation of approximately 500 billion yuan ($75 billion).
- DeepSeek released AI models in January 2025 that rivaled American peers at a lower cost.
- The startup is preparing for a possible IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market.
- Rival Moonshot AI is also reportedly targeting an early-2027 IPO.