Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is preparing to file for an initial public offering (IPO) in mainland China as early as this year, while pursuing a fresh private funding round that could value the company at no less than 480 billion yuan (approximately $71 billion), according to a Bloomberg News report on Wednesday.
‎‎The Hangzhou-based AI company has reportedly begun laying the groundwork for a mainland listing, with plans to submit its IPO application later this year. If the process proceeds as expected, the company could make its stock market debut in 2027.
‎‎Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the matter, said DeepSeek has engaged accounting and banking advisers to support the planned listing as it moves forward with regulatory and financial preparations.
‎‎At the same time, the company is seeking fresh capital from private investors, only weeks after completing a record-breaking first external fundraising round worth $7 billion. The new financing is expected to be conducted at a pre-money valuation of at least 480 billion yuan, marking a significant increase from the roughly $50 billion valuation achieved during its previous funding round.
‎‎According to the report, DeepSeek aims to raise at least 10 billion yuan in the latest financing, although the final amount could increase depending on investor demand.
‎‎Bloomberg noted that discussions regarding both the fundraising and the proposed IPO remain ongoing, meaning the timing and structure of either transaction could still change.
‎‎As part of its listing preparations, DeepSeek is working with accounting firms to complete its financial statements by the end of December, a key requirement before submitting an IPO application.
‎‎Should the financial reporting process take longer than expected, the company could instead file its listing documents towards the end of 2026 or in early 2027, Bloomberg reported.
‎‎The Financial Times first reported that DeepSeek had begun discussions with prospective investors regarding a new funding round, while Bloomberg separately disclosed the company’s plans for a mainland IPO.
‎‎The latest developments underscore DeepSeek’s rapid rise in China’s artificial intelligence sector as it seeks to secure additional capital and position itself for a public listing amid growing investor interest in AI companies.
