# DeepSeek seeks new funding at about 45 bn valuation led by Big Fund, with Tencent in talks, highlighting Chinas AI push and its challenge to OpenAI and Anthropic.

*semiconductor · news · 2026-05-06 · CNBC TV18*

## Key points

- DeepSeek is seeking funding at a $45 billion valuation, up from $20 billion weeks ago.
- Big Fund may lead its first AI LLM investment round, marking a shift from only backing chipmakers.
- DeepSeek is optimizing its models to run on domestic hardware like Huawei's Ascend chips.
- Tencent and Flounder are in talks to invest in DeepSeek, with final details pending.

**Companies:** Tencent, DeepSeek, Flounder, Zhipu AI, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp.
**Countries:** China, United States, France, Germany, India

[Read the full story on CNBC TV18](https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/deepseeks-45-bn-leap-signals-chinas-big-ai-push-amid-global-llm-boom-ws-l-19900118.htm)

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