DeepSeek is closing one of the largest AI funding rounds of the year. The AI lab is finalizing a round of at least RMB 80 billion, with Tencent and CATL among the largest committed investors, according to reporting by Zhidx citing Bloomberg. Signed terms could push the final figure toward RMB 100 billion.
The raise far exceeded expectations. People familiar with the matter said DeepSeek originally planned to raise about RMB 50 billion, but demand surged after its latest model drew a stronger-than-expected reaction, and negotiations are now in their final stages.
The fundraise is not happening in isolation. Bloomberg reported that Moonshot AI, the maker of Kimi, has closed its final private round at a valuation of about $50 billion and is targeting a Hong Kong IPO in the first quarter of 2027. DeepSeek itself has been preparing a listing for some time: Reuters reported in September that it hired CITIC Securities to prepare a STAR Market IPO in Shanghai, and the company plans to begin the IPO process this year.
The new capital arrives as DeepSeek’s revenue momentum builds. The Information reported in September that the company’s annualized revenue had reached about $1 billion, more than double its level from just a few months earlier — when a new round was expected to close at a target valuation of RMB 500 billion.
For users, DeepSeek’s appeal has been powerful, low-cost models — our DeepSeek tool page has the details, alongside alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude. If you are comparing free options, check our roundup of the best free AI tools of 2026.
Source: Robotbelt (adapted from Zhidx, citing Bloomberg)
