TechFlow news: On April 18, rumors continued circulating within the industry that DeepSeek, a major domestic AI company, may be initiating its first external funding round. According to a recent report by a vertical media outlet covering technology and business sectors, DeepSeek is currently in talks to bring in external capital for the first time, aiming to bolster its cash reserves and secure a more advantageous position in the high-cost race to develop cutting-edge AI models. Previously, the company had repeatedly declined investment offers from leading Chinese venture capital firms and tech giants. However, two sources indicated that the startup has recently begun engaging with potential investors, planning to raise no less than $300 million at a valuation of at least $10 billion.
In response, a representative from a large state-owned equity investment institution stated, “We’ve received feedback through certain channels confirming that DeepSeek’s initiation of its first external funding round is highly likely true; however, it’s currently impossible to invest at all,” adding, “No further details can be disclosed.” Additionally, on April 18, between noon and afternoon, two senior executives from Hengfeng Quantitative were contacted separately via personal phone calls and WeChat messages to verify and seek comment on DeepSeek’s fundraising news. As of press time, neither executive had answered the calls, nor had they replied to the WeChat messages. (Jinshi)
