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

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.