CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: नई दिल्ली. Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek is close to completing the process of raising nearly $15 billion, or about 100 billion yuan, in funding. According to a Bloomberg report, the company is expected to receive a large amount in this investment round. However, Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the report.

Funding doubled from initial target

According to reports, DeepSeek had initially set a target of raising about 50 billion yuan. After strong investor interest, the target was reportedly increased first to 80 billion yuan and then to around 100 billion yuan. The funding could help the company develop its AI models, increase computing capacity and strengthen competition in the international market.

Key role of Tencent and CATL

According to Bloomberg, major Chinese technology company Tencent and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) are among the main investors in this funding round. Some other Chinese companies and investment institutions are also reported to be participating. However, official confirmation of the final investment amount and terms from the investors is not available.

Preparing to challenge US AI companies

DeepSeek has gained global recognition because of its strategy of developing capable AI models at low cost. The company’s models have already intensified competition in the international AI market. The new funding may give it an opportunity to spend more on research and development, data centres and computing resources. This is likely to further intensify competition with leading US AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

Possible IPO also being prepared

According to reports, DeepSeek is also preparing for a possible initial public offering (IPO) in China’s stock market. The company has taken the help of CITIC Securities for work related to this process. However, the timing, valuation and final structure of the IPO cannot yet be considered decided.

DeepSeek’s proposed funding has emerged at a time when the world’s major technology companies are investing heavily in developing better AI models, greater computing capacity and lower-cost services. If the nearly $15 billion funding is completed as reported, it could prove to be an important milestone for the company’s expansion plans.

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