DeepSeek Nears Funding Round of at Least 80 Billion Yuan, With a 2027 Listing in the Works

DeepSeek is expected to raise at least 80 billion yuan in fresh funding, Bloomberg reported on October 6 local time. The report, which cited unnamed sources, said CATL and Tencent have committed large sums. The figure refers to the amount expected to be raised going forward.

How much bigger is the round than the target?

It comfortably exceeds the original target of 50 billion yuan. Even taking only the low-end estimate of 80 billion yuan, that is 30 billion yuan more than the goal. Bloomberg reported that documents setting out the investment terms have been signed, and that the final size could approach 100 billion yuan.

Tencent and CATL also took part in the earlier funding round. According to Reuters, DeepSeek raised about $7.4 billion in June 2026, with both companies putting in money at the time. This time around, the two have again committed large sums, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources.

One of the earlier investments has also been confirmed in a regulatory filing. On July 16, Kairun disclosed that a subsidiary had indirectly invested 40 million yuan in DeepSeek through a fund. The resulting stake is 0.0114%.

Is the 2027 listing on a fixed timetable?

DeepSeek’s plan to pursue a listing in early 2027 was reported at the same time. Reuters, however, noted that the timing, the size of the offering and the company’s valuation have yet to be determined.

The parties involved said little. According to Bloomberg, CATL declined to comment and Tencent did not immediately respond. How much of the anticipated funding actually materializes, and on what schedule the listing process moves forward, remains unconfirmed.

For users in Korea, the more pressing question is what any of this changes about the service itself. Access conditions for users in South Korea, Korean-language support and pricing are things to watch for in future product and service announcements.