DeepSeek value hits $45 billion

Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek is reportedly nearing a $45 billion valuation as it prepares for its first major external funding round.

The startup, which previously relied on internal capital, has seen a surge in investor interest following the successful launch of its latest large language models.

This potential valuation would place DeepSeek among the world's most valuable AI companies, rivaling major U.S. players like OpenAI and Anthropic.

The move signals a shift in the company's strategy as it seeks to scale its infrastructure and compete in the increasingly crowded global AI race.