【AI+DeepSeek】DeepSeek reports that the target for its first round of fundraising could reach up to 500 billion RMB, with Leung Man-fung possibly participating with a 40% stake.

Recent market reports indicate that DeepSeek (Deep Exploration) is seeking its first round of external funding. According to the media outlet The Information, citing insiders, DeepSeek’s current target for this funding round is up to 50 billion RMB. This could become the largest funding round ever for a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup. It is also reported that DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng may personally invest 20 billion RMB, accounting for 40% of this round’s funding.

The report states that this funding will accelerate DeepSeek’s profitability and commercialization process. It is also revealed that DeepSeek recently informed some investors of plans to speed up model releases to align more closely with industry standards.

Planning to Release Upgraded Model V4.1 in June

Sources indicate that DeepSeek plans to release an upgraded version, V4.1, of its V4 model in June. V4.1 is expected to have image and audio processing capabilities, but currently can only generate text.

The report further mentions that DeepSeek has recruited talent from ByteDance’s product development team and other Chinese tech companies.

Since the news of DeepSeek’s first external funding emerged, its valuation has risen from the initially reported $20 billion. As more investors show interest, the funding amount could increase further. In just a few weeks, market estimates of its valuation have surged to as high as approximately $50 billion (about 390 billion RMB).

Recently, foreign media quoted sources saying that China’s largest state-owned semiconductor investment fund, the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund (also known as the National Big Fund), is in talks to lead DeepSeek’s first funding round. This investment could value DeepSeek at around $45 billion (about 351B HKD). Other investors still negotiating stakes include Tencent (00700).

Financial Hot Talk

Warren Buffett criticizes the stock market as turning into a casino, holding cash to reach new highs. The Oracle of Omaha reveals the best timing to enter the market?

View Original
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
  • Reward
  • Comment
  • Repost
  • Share
Comment
Add a comment
Add a comment
No comments
  • Pin