Chinese AI startup DeepSeek raises $7.4bn, valued at $50bn

Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has raised more than 50 billion yuan, approximately $7.4 billion, in its first external funding round, valuing the company at over $50 billion. The deal, reported on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, is notable for an unusual structure designed to preserve founder control.

Investors, including major Chinese technology and industrial firms, were required to place their capital into a limited partnership managed by DeepSeek founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng, rather than directly into the company. This arrangement means outside investors will not have voting rights and their funds will be subject to a five-year lockup period. The only reported exception is China's National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, which is said to have invested directly and retains both voting rights and freedom from the lockup.

Liang Wenfeng personally committed 20 billion yuan to the round, representing a controlling share. The largest external investors are reportedly technology conglomerate Tencent, considering an investment of roughly 10 billion yuan, and battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), looking at around 5 billion yuan....