Chinese AI Firm DeepSeek Reportedly Prepares for IPO and Seeks New Funding

Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek has initiated preparations for an initial public offering (IPO) and may file for a listing as soon as this year, according to a Bloomberg report. The company is reportedly also seeking to raise a fresh round of private funding just weeks after its last financing.

IPO Plans Take Shape

DeepSeek is targeting a listing in mainland China and is in discussions with banking and accounting advisors, the report said. The company is aiming to complete its financial reports by the end of December 2026, a necessary step before an official filing.

Depending on the finalization of its financials, the IPO filing could occur in late 2026 or early 2027, with a potential market debut in 2027. However, the report noted that the timeline and final plans are subject to change based on market conditions and the company's performance.

Pre-IPO Fundraising at Higher Valuation

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In parallel with its public listing preparations, DeepSeek is reportedly in talks with new backers for another funding round. The company is seeking a pre-money valuation of at least 480 billion yuan ($71 billion).

This marks a significant increase from the roughly $50 billion valuation it achieved in its first external financing round, which closed in early June. That round included prominent investors such as Tencent Holdings and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL). For the new round, DeepSeek aims to raise a minimum of 10 billion yuan, with the final amount contingent on investor interest.

Strategic Focus

DeepSeek's senior management has previously indicated to potential investors that the company's primary focus is on foundational AI research rather than short-term commercialization, as reported by Bloomberg. This strategy positions the company for long-term development in the competitive AI landscape as it moves toward the public markets.