Chinese artificial intelligence startups DeepSeek and Moonshot AI are ramping up their fundraising efforts in anticipation of their stock market launches. DeepSeek is reportedly close to securing up to 100 billion yuan ($15 billion), while Moonshot has completed a private funding round with a valuation around $50 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Originally, DeepSeek aimed to raise approximately 50 billion yuan ($7.5 billion). However, investor interest surged following the release of its latest model, sources told the agency.
Among the major participants in this funding round are technology conglomerate Tencent and battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). Bloomberg's sources indicate that DeepSeek is likely to secure at least 80 billion yuan, with the total amount potentially nearing 100 billion yuan based on already signed preliminary agreements.
This funding round is taking place as DeepSeek prepares for its initial public offering (IPO) scheduled for early 2027, as noted by Bloomberg. Previously, it was reported that the AI firm has engaged CITIC Securities to assist with its IPO on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
DeepSeek is not the only major Chinese AI company attracting investment ahead of an IPO. As reported by Bloomberg, Moonshot AI has also finalized its latest private funding round at a valuation of around $50 billion and is targeting an IPO in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2027. The company could raise up to $5 billion during this offering.
Additionally, in October, DeepSeek released the source code for six software components for Huawei Ascend AI chips, which replicate key tools for Nvidia products and form an independent software stack for Chinese accelerators.
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