DeepSeek Seeks $1.5 Billion Fundraising Round and Starts Work on Custom AI Chips

DeepSeek is reportedly preparing another large fundraising round just weeks after closing its first outside financing, with recent reports putting the target at at least about $1.5 billion and possibly much higher as the company seeks fresh capital. The move comes as the Chinese AI startup also begins work on custom inference chips, signaling a push to reduce reliance on external hardware and strengthen its long-term computing capacity. DeepSeek’s rapid capital-raising and chip plans matter because the company has become one of China’s most closely watched AI firms, with investors and industry rivals watching how it scales and competes.