DEEPSEEK RAISES $7.4B AT $52-59B VALUATION

AI DESK■ 1 MIN READ

SAT, JUN 6, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 3 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is securing approximately $7.4 billion in its first funding round from investors including Tencent and battery maker CATL, according to Reuters sources.

The funding values DeepSeek between $52 billion and $59 billion, marking a significant investment in the Chinese AI sector. Tencent and CATL join other backers in the 50 billion yuan round. DeepSeek has gained attention for developing competitive AI models while operating under US export restrictions on advanced chips. The startup recently demonstrated progress with its V4 Pro model, which a research team—including Huawei—successfully trained using Huawei's domestically-made Ascend 910C chips, according to reporting from the South China Morning Post. The funding round underscores investor confidence in Chinese AI alternatives amid ongoing US sanctions and trade tensions. DeepSeek's ability to develop advanced AI capabilities with restricted hardware has positioned it as a key player in China's AI landscape.

■ SOURCES

► Techmeme ► Techmeme ► Techmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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DEEPSEEK RAISES $7.4B AT $52-59B VALUATION

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