DeepSeek Raises $15.8 Billion as Funding Round Draws Nearly 30 Investors

DeepSeek’s second funding round totals $15.8 billion and draws nearly 30 investors, bringing technology, industrial and state-backed money into the Chinese AI developer in its latest financing.

Tencent Holdings and CATL remained the two largest backers, and both also took part in the first round. Tencent contributed the same amount in each financing, while CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun also invested.

Other participants represent a wide range of businesses, including memory-chip and semiconductor manufacturers, smartphone makers, online services, automakers, appliance producers, electronics suppliers, travel companies and social media platforms.

A national AI investment fund returned at the same contribution level as in the first round. Telecom operators, securities firms and an insurer were among additional institutional investors, while state-linked participation increased.

The round implies a valuation of about $92 billion. DeepSeek has become a closely followed Chinese AI developer, and this financing brings private companies and state-backed investors into one funding pool.