The valuation of leading Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek is estimated to have surpassed 350.88 billion yuan, equivalent to IDR 929 trillion. This surge in valuation was revealed after an investment consortium injected 2.9 billion yuan to acquire an indirect stake in the company.
This strategic information emerged through an official report by Chinese luggage manufacturer Anhui Korrun to the local stock exchange authority. The report stated that one of its subsidiaries secured approximately 0.8265 percent of indirect shares in DeepSeek. This transaction serves as one of the first public proofs revealing the real valuation and external investor map of the Hangzhou-based startup.
As a private company founded by Liang Wenfeng—who also heads the hedge fund firm High-Flyer—DeepSeek was previously very secretive about its financial details. The startup captured global attention after releasing its low-cost AI models, V3 and R1, which proved capable of challenging the dominance of U.S.-made AI technology amid tight advanced chip export sanctions from Washington.
Besides Anhui Korrun, other entities such as Jiuan Medical through its Hong Kong subsidiary also reportedly invested 750 million yuan. This strategic investment gives them an indirect ownership of approximately 0.21 percent in DeepSeek, reinforcing market value calculations for the new AI giant in the domestic market.
To support high computing costs and talent development, DeepSeek is reportedly preparing a new funding round targeting 50 billion yuan. Furthermore, the company is also preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on Shanghai's STAR Market tech board this year.
