DeepSeek $20.8M in Unitree IPO for humanoid robot tie-up

A major Chinese artificial intelligence startup has invested in the country's first publicly listed humanoid robot maker, forging a strategic partnership aimed at merging advanced AI with physical machines. DeepSeek invested approximately 20.8 million dollars to acquire 933,399 shares in Unitree Robotics through a strategic placement tied to Unitree's initial public offering on Shanghai's STAR Market, according to a stock exchange filing.

Unitree priced its IPO at 150.80 yuan, or about 22.34 dollars, per share. The offering of 40.45 million new shares is set to raise about 6.1 billion yuan, valuing the Hangzhou-based company at roughly 61 billion yuan, or 9.04 billion dollars. Subscriptions for the IPO are scheduled to open on August 10. The company plans to use the proceeds for research and development, new products, and manufacturing expansion.

Beyond the financial stake, the two companies have agreed to jointly develop AI models for humanoid robots. The partnership links DeepSeek's expertise in AI models with Unitree's strengths in mechanical engineering, motion control, and hardware. Under the agreement, Unitree will give preference to DeepSeek for model-training services,...