Business · Malaysia Bureau
DeepSeek secures $15bn funding to compete with US AI giants
The Chinese artificial intelligence startup has attracted backing from major technology and battery companies as it seeks to challenge dominance of American AI leaders. The funding round underscores intensifying competition in the global AI sector.
LSN Malaysia ·
DeepSeek has raised US$15 billion in a significant funding round that positions the Chinese artificial intelligence company as a formidable challenger to established US-based AI firms. The investment reflects growing confidence among major Asian technology players in the startup's ability to develop competitive AI models and services.
Among the round's largest investors are Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd, the world's leading battery manufacturer, and Tencent Holdings Ltd, operator of the popular WeChat platform. Their participation signals strong backing from China's technology and manufacturing sectors for DeepSeek's ambitious expansion plans.
The funding announcement comes amid intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence development. Chinese companies have been accelerating investment in AI capabilities to reduce reliance on Western technology while building domestic expertise in the rapidly advancing field.
DeepSeek's substantial war chest will likely support research and development efforts, infrastructure expansion, and talent acquisition as it works to narrow the gap with established players in large language models and other AI applications. The startup's progress carries implications for the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the AI industry's future.