Chinese AI startup DeepSeek prepares for IPO, targets $71-74 billion valuation
DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based AI startup, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on Shanghai’s STAR Market, potentially filing as early as 2026 or 2027. The company is raising new capital at a valuation of up to $74 billion, following a $7 billion funding round in June 2025. Investors include Tencent and CATL. The IPO underscores China’s push to compete globally in AI, with DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng now worth $36 billion.
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Chinese Filing Implies DeepSeek Valuation of Around $52 Billion
A Chinese regulatory filing by luggage maker Anhui Korrun reveals that a fund it invested in acquired an indirect 0.8265% stake in AI startup DeepSeek for 2.9 billion yuan, implying a valuation of approximately 350.88 billion yuan ($51.82 billion). This provides rare public evidence of DeepSeek's maiden external fundraising, as the company had previously relied on founder Liang Wenfeng's hedge fund, High-Flyer. Reuters previously reported that DeepSeek reversed its no-outside-capital strategy to fund computing capacity and employee benefits amid intensifying AI competition. The filing does not specify whether the investment involved new or existing shares. Separately, Jiuan Medical disclosed a similar indirect stake. Reuters also reported that DeepSeek is planning another fundraising round of up to 50 billion yuan at a valuation of about 500 billion yuan ($74 billion) and has begun early preparations for a potential IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market.
Yahoo FinanceChina's DeepSeek to raise fresh capital at $74 billion valuation ahead of onshore IPO, sources say
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is planning a new fundraising round at a valuation of approximately 500 billion yuan ($74 billion) ahead of a potential initial public offering on Shanghai's STAR Market, according to sources. The move comes just weeks after the company raised $7.4 billion in June at a 450 billion yuan valuation. DeepSeek aims to raise up to 50 billion yuan in the new round and has set an internal target to file for an IPO this year. The back-to-back fundraising underscores strong investor appetite for one of China's most prominent AI firms, but also highlights the rising costs of competing in AI, including computing power, data centers, and talent. DeepSeek, which gained global attention in 2025 for its low-cost AI models, had long rejected outside funding but changed strategy due to intense competition from ByteDance, Alibaba, and other startups. Major investors include Tencent, CATL, and a state-backed AI fund, reflecting the company's strategic importance to Beijing's AI ambitions.
Yahoo FinanceChina's DeepSeek to raise fresh capital at $74 billion valuation ahead of onshore IPO, sources say
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is planning a new fundraising round at a valuation of approximately 500 billion yuan ($74 billion) ahead of a potential initial public offering on Shanghai's STAR Market, according to sources. The move comes just weeks after the company raised about $7.4 billion in June at a 450 billion yuan valuation. DeepSeek aims to raise up to 50 billion yuan in the new round and has set an internal target to file for an IPO this year. The back-to-back fundraising underscores strong investor appetite for China's AI sector but also highlights rising costs for computing power, data centers, and talent. DeepSeek, which gained global attention in 2025 for low-cost AI models rivaling U.S. systems, is also developing its own AI inference chip. Founder Liang Wenfeng, who previously self-funded the company, committed 20 billion yuan in the June round, with Tencent and CATL becoming major external shareholders. The state-backed AI fund's participation underscores DeepSeek's strategic importance to Beijing's domestic AI ambitions.
Yahoo FinanceDeepSeek Prepares for IPO Filing as Soon as 2026, Eyes US$71 Billion Valuation
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) filing as early as 2026, targeting a valuation of US$71 billion, according to the Financial Times. The company has begun discussions with potential investors for a new funding round, following the closure of a US$7 billion financing round. This valuation target represents a significant increase from the roughly US$50 billion valuation DeepSeek achieved in its first external funding round. The news was reported by The Business Times Singapore on July 15, 2026.
The Business TimesDeepSeek Prepares for IPO Filing as Soon as 2027, Eyes US$71 Billion Valuation
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) filing as early as 2027, targeting a valuation of US$71 billion, according to the Financial Times. The company has begun discussions with potential investors for a new funding round, following the closure of a US$7 billion financing round. This valuation target represents a significant increase from the roughly US$50 billion valuation DeepSeek achieved in its first external funding round. The news signals continued investor interest in AI companies and DeepSeek's aggressive growth strategy in the competitive artificial intelligence sector.
The Business TimesDeepSeek Prepares for IPO Filing as Soon as 2027, Targets US$71 Billion Valuation
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) as early as 2027, targeting a valuation of US$71 billion, according to the Financial Times. The company has begun discussions with potential investors for a new funding round, following the closure of a US$7 billion financing round. DeepSeek has been central to China's efforts to compete globally in artificial intelligence. The news was reported by The Business Times Singapore on July 15, 2026.
The Business TimesDeepSeek Begins IPO Preparations with Potential 2026 Filing, Bloomberg Reports
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has initiated preparations for an initial public offering, with a potential filing in 2026 that could lead to a public debut in 2027, according to a Bloomberg report. The Hangzhou-based company has started discussions with accounting firms and investment banks. DeepSeek is also seeking additional private funding at a pre-money valuation of at least 480 billion yuan ($71 billion), up from the $50 billion valuation in its first external financing round in June 2026, which included investors like Tencent Holdings and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. The company aims to raise at least 10 billion yuan in new capital. Founder Liang Wenfeng's net worth has reached approximately $36 billion, making him one of the world's wealthiest AI entrepreneurs. The IPO timeline remains subject to market conditions and company performance.
Yahoo FinanceDeepSeek Begins IPO Preparations with Potential 2026 Filing, Bloomberg Reports
Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek has initiated preparations for an initial public offering (IPO) and could file listing documents as soon as 2026, according to a Bloomberg report. The Hangzhou-based AI startup is planning a mainland China IPO, with a potential debut in 2027. DeepSeek has started discussions with accounting firms and investment banks and is seeking additional private funding ahead of the listing. This follows a reported $7 billion financing round that closed in early June, with investors including Tencent Holdings and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. The company is targeting a pre-money valuation of at least 480 billion yuan (about $71 billion) in a new funding round, up from the $50 billion valuation in its first external round. DeepSeek aims to raise at least 10 billion yuan in additional capital. Founder Liang Wenfeng's net worth has reached approximately $36 billion, making him one of the world's wealthiest AI entrepreneurs. The IPO timeline remains subject to market conditions and company performance.
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