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DeepSeek Raises 7.4 Billion Dollars at Over 50 Billion Dollar Valuation Founder Retains Control
Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has reportedly completed its first external funding round, raising more than $7.4 billion at a valuation exceeding $50 billion. The funding structure has been designed to preserve founder Liang Wenfeng’s control, with most investors participating through a limited partnership rather than acquiring direct equity stakes.
By Finblage Editorial Desk
12:05 pm
16 June 2026
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has reportedly secured more than 50 billion yuan (approximately $7.4 billion) in its maiden fundraising round, valuing the company at over $50 billion. The transaction marks one of the largest funding rounds for an artificial intelligence company in China and underscores growing investor interest in the country's AI sector.
According to reports, the fundraising was structured in a way that enables founder and Chief Executive Officer Liang Wenfeng to retain effective control over the company. Instead of investing directly into DeepSeek, most investors have committed capital through a limited partnership managed by Liang. Investors in this structure reportedly do not receive voting rights and are subject to a five-year lock-up period.
An exception has been made for China's National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, which invested directly in DeepSeek and retains voting rights without being subject to the lock-up restrictions.
Earlier reports indicated that Liang himself committed around 20 billion yuan to the fundraising round, while major Chinese companies including Tencent and battery manufacturer CATL were considering significant investments. The funding is expected to strengthen DeepSeek's position in the increasingly competitive AI landscape and support further development of advanced AI models and computing infrastructure.
DeepSeek gained international recognition following the success of its AI models, which drew attention for their capabilities and intensified competition between Chinese and global AI developers. The latest fundraising further cements the company's status as one of China's most prominent artificial intelligence startups.
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