On April 24, the Financial Times disclosed that DeepSeek, an AI startup, has embarked on its inaugural external funding phase. The primary objectives are to solidify its valuation to underpin employee stock options and to shield its core talent from being lured away by rival firms. The valuation set for this funding round is anticipated to surpass $20 billion, with the financing amount projected to reach several hundred million dollars, marking it as a significant yet symbolic funding endeavor.
