DeepSeek raises over $7 billion, valuation tops $50 billion

DeepSeek has completed a record-breaking funding round, raising over $7 billion and reaching a valuation of more than $50 billion. This is the largest single fundraising event in China's AI industry.

The deal has a unique structure: investors get financial benefits but no voting rights, must hold shares for five years, and won't get board seats. The only exception is a state AI fund, which invested $1.4 billion directly, with no lock-up and full voting rights.

Participants include Tencent, CATL, JD.com, NetEase, and IDG Capital. DeepSeek gained global fame with its V3 and R1 models, becoming a top AI player in China.