DeepSeek Eyes $7.4 Billion Funding Round At Up To $59 Billion Valuation As Tencent, CATL Back China's AI Champion: Report

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is preparing to raise approximately $7.4 billion (50 billion yuan) in its first external funding round, potentially valuing the company at $59 billion. Major investors include Tencent (10 billion yuan), CATL (5 billion yuan), NetEase, JD.com, and state-backed AI funds. Founder Liang Wenfeng is contributing 20 billion yuan of personal capital. The funding round could close within weeks.