DeepSeek Targets $7.4bn Fundraising at Up to $59bn Valuation

Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is set to raise about 50 billion yuan ($7.4 billion) in its first external funding round, a move that could value the company at between 350 billion yuan and 400 billion yuan ($52 billion to $59 billion).

According to sources familiar with the matter, the fundraising is expected to attract some of China’s biggest technology and industrial firms, including Tencent Holdings and CATL.

The deal, which is expected to be concluded within the next few weeks, would mark a major milestone for DeepSeek following its rapid rise in the global artificial intelligence industry.

Tencent, CATL Lead Investor Interest

Sources said DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng has committed 20 billion yuan of his own funds to the company.

Tencent is reportedly considering an investment of about 10 billion yuan, while battery manufacturing giant CATL is expected to contribute approximately 5 billion yuan, making them the largest external investors in the funding round.

DeepSeek is also said to be in advanced discussions with China’s national artificial intelligence fund, gaming company NetEase and e-commerce giant JD.com.

The planned investor group is expected to include fewer than 10 participants.

Neither DeepSeek, Liang Wenfeng, NetEase, JD.com nor the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund immediately commented on the reports. Tencent and CATL also declined to comment.

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DeepSeek Emerges as China’s AI Champion

DeepSeek gained international attention in early 2025 after the release of its V3 and R1 artificial intelligence models, which drew praise from technology experts and challenged assumptions about China’s position in the global AI race.

The startup quickly emerged as one of China’s leading AI firms, competing with rivals such as ByteDance and Alibaba Group.

Tencent has been promoting its own Hunyuan AI model but remains behind some domestic competitors, including ByteDance’s Doubao and DeepSeek. Analysts believe a closer partnership with DeepSeek could strengthen Tencent’s position in China’s rapidly evolving AI market.

The funding round also highlights China’s broader push to build a self-sufficient artificial intelligence ecosystem, covering everything from AI models to the energy infrastructure required to power large-scale computing systems.

AI Expansion Drives New Industry Partnerships

CATL’s participation reflects the growing intersection between artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure.

While the company is best known as a leading supplier of electric vehicle batteries, it has recently expanded into AI data centre solutions, exploring opportunities in energy storage and power systems needed to support rising AI workloads.

Other prospective investors reportedly include Hong Kong-based investment firm IDG Capital and Monolith Capital.

DeepSeek has not publicly disclosed any plans for an initial public offering, but the size of the proposed fundraising underscores growing investor confidence in the company’s future prospects and China’s expanding role in the global artificial intelligence industry.

Segun Lasisi

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.