DeepSeek has raised over 50 billion yuan ($7.4 billion) in its first…

DeepSeek has raised over 50 billion yuan ($7.4 billion) in its first investment round and is valued at more than $50 billion, making it the most expensive AI startup in China, according to The Wall Street Journal citing sources. Founder and chief executive officer of DeepSeek, Lian Wenfeng, invested the largest amount—approximately $3 billion.

Consensus

• DeepSeek raised over $7.4 billion in its first investment round
• The company was valued at over $50 billion
• It became the most valuable AI startup in China
• Founder Liang Wenfen invested $3 billion
• The National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund participated with $150 million
• The funding will be used for research, development, and infrastructure expansion

Points of divergence

• Tencent and CATL were planning to participate in the round with investments of up to $1.5 billion and $750 million respectively — interfax
• The founder owns 90% of the company — kommersant
• Reuters reported potential funding of $3–4 billion with a possible $8.8 billion investment from the National AI Fund — vedomosti
• Financial Times estimated the valuation at around $45 billion — vedomosti