CNBC TV18 / Bloomberg, The Decoder · 4 sourcesCNBC TV18 / Bloomberg · 4 sources · 4 reports · DeepSeek close to finalizing financing of at least 80 billion yuan
According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, DeepSeek's latest funding round is close to finalizing at least 80 billion yuan (about 12 billion USD), with Tencent Holdings and CATL committing the largest amounts. DeepSeek initially planned to raise about 50 billion yuan, but due to investor demand exceeding expectations, the final size could approach 100 billion yuan. Sources say that after the funding round is completed, the next step is to restructure the company to prepare for an IPO in early 2027, with an initial target valuation of about 500 billion yuan. CNBC separately reported that DeepSeek is considering expanding the funding round to up to 100 billion yuan, double the previous 50 billion yuan target; the round was initially expected to close by the end of August but was delayed because some investors hesitated on price, and negotiations are nearing completion. DeepSeek, Tencent, and CATL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.