Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has entered preliminary talks with new investors for a funding round. The proposed financing would value the company at approximately $71 billion.
This follows a previous funding round closed in May. That round raised $7 billion. The May financing valued the company at $52 billion. Investors included Tencent and Contemporary Amperex Technology.
DeepSeek intends to use the capital for significant infrastructure expansion. The company plans to develop proprietary data centers and acquire more AI chips.
DeepSeek has also started preparations for an Initial Public Offering. The startup expects to file for the listing as early as the end of 2026. The company targets a market debut in 2027.