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DeepSeek in talks to raise $7 billion from Tencent, CATL and other investors · TechNode
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is reportedly nearing around 50 billion yuan ($7 billion) in its first external funding round, with Tencent, CATL, and other investors in talks. The post-money valuation is estimated between 350 billion and 400 billion yuan. Founder Liang Wenfeng is expected to contribute 20 billion yuan of his own capital, while Tencent plans to invest 10 billion and CATL 5 billion. Other potential participants include the National AI Industry Investment Fund, NetEase, and JD.com. Fewer than 10 investors are anticipated to join this round. The deal underscores growing appetite for AI startups in China and could accelerate DeepSeek’s product development, partnerships, and go-to-market plans.
MonitorConfidence: HighImmediate horizon
Published 4 Jun 2026, 03:05 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- DeepSeek aims for a roughly 50 billion yuan external funding round
- Post-money valuation estimated at 350-400 billion yuan
- Founder to contribute 20 billion yuan of his own capital
- Tencent commitment around 10 billion yuan
- CATL commitment around 5 billion yuan
- Possible participation from National AI Industry Investment Fund, NetEase, JD.com
Interesting facts
- This would be DeepSeek's first major external funding round
- Investors span tech giants and e-commerce/gaming players
- Fewer than 10 investors expected to participate