DeepSeek’s $15B round fuels $16B Asia startup week as Eka Robotics hits unicorn status

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has reportedly secured $15 billion in new funding from backers including Tencent and battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), according to TechLoy. If accurate, the round would be one of the largest in recent memory for any startup globally, let alone in Asia. The funds are said to be earmarked for scaling the company’s AI infrastructure and refining its open-source models, though DeepSeek has not confirmed the details publicly.

The surge wasn’t limited to AI. Across Asia, startups announced over $16 billion in funding this week, covering sectors from autonomous delivery to healthcare. While China accounted for the bulk of the capital, startups in Singapore, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines also closed significant rounds. Among them, Singapore-based Eka Robotics raised $150 million in a Series A round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and F-Prime Capital, reaching a $1.45 billion valuation. The company, co-founded by an MIT professor and a former Google DeepMind researcher, specializes in robotics software for tasks requiring high precision, using a model that integrates visual and force-based feedback rather than relying solely on language-based commands.

The scale of the reported DeepSeek round points to growing competition in AI development, particularly between China and the U.S. TechLoy’s report suggests the funds will support data center expansion, though the company’s plans remain unconfirmed. The involvement of Tencent, a major player in China’s tech sector, may indicate confidence in DeepSeek’s trajectory, but the lack of official verification leaves room for skepticism.

In robotics, Eka Robotics’ funding reflects rising interest in automation for industrial applications. KuCoin’s coverage highlights the company’s focus on force-sensitive grippers and AI-driven control systems, positioning it as a potential disruptor in manufacturing and logistics. The participation of a16z, known for its investments in cutting-edge technology, and Samsung Next, a corporate investor, suggests broader enthusiasm for robotics innovation beyond traditional hubs.

Fintech also saw notable activity. Hong Kong’s FundPark secured a $250 million financing commitment from Bain Capital, with $100 million immediately available and another $150 million contingent on certain conditions. The funds are intended to support lending to e-commerce businesses, which often struggle to access working capital. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Salmon Group raised $140 million to expand its lending operations, including consumer loans and financing for small businesses.

Healthcare and mobility startups also attracted investment. India’s Even Healthcare closed a $50 million Series B round led by Khosla Ventures, with plans to open five new hospitals in Bengaluru as part of its managed healthcare expansion.

The week’s funding total—$16 billion—highlights Asia’s growing influence across multiple sectors. The diversity of investments suggests a shift in investor priorities, with less reliance on traditional tech hubs and more focus on scalable infrastructure.

For DeepSeek, the next phase could be pivotal. If the company moves toward an IPO, it may set a precedent for other Chinese AI startups. Eka Robotics, meanwhile, will need to prove its technology can compete in industrial robotics beyond Singapore. Fintech startups like FundPark and Salmon Group face the challenge of building sustainable lending models in markets with varying regulations.

The scale of these rounds, particularly in AI, raises questions about long-term sustainability. DeepSeek’s reported $15 billion raise, if confirmed, would surpass many comparable U.S. funding events, hinting at a potential realignment in global AI leadership. However, without official confirmation, the numbers remain speculative. What’s clear is that Asia’s startup ecosystem is no longer just catching up—it’s setting its own pace.

Sources: techloy.com · kucoin.com