DeepSeek seeks $12B+ round at $74B valuation

The round, if completed, would join a series of high-profile AI funding deals this year.

The discussions follow an October 6 Bloomberg report that DeepSeek was targeting at least $12 billion, with backing from Tencent and battery maker CATL. The reported valuation would represent a significant increase from earlier benchmarks, though details remain unconfirmed. The company has also been linked to a potential Shanghai STAR Market listing, though no timeline has been shared.

DeepSeek’s V4 models, introduced earlier this year, have drawn attention for their pricing structure. The new funding could support further expansion, as AI startups continue to prioritize infrastructure scaling. Recent months have seen other major raises, including Discovery Loop’s reported $50 billion valuation talks and Positron AI’s $5 billion jump, suggesting strong investor interest in the sector.

The scale of the potential deal invites broader questions about the AI funding landscape. While valuations have climbed across the industry, the size of this round would stand out even among recent high-profile raises. The outcome may depend on how investors weigh growth potential against market conditions. Either way, the discussions reflect the ongoing competition in AI infrastructure—and the resources being directed toward it.

Sources: cn.ibtimes.com