Tencent, Alibaba in talks to invest in DeepSeek, The Information reports

Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group are reportedly in talks to invest in AI startup DeepSeek, which is seeking funding at a valuation above $20 billion. The report signals continued investor interest in Chinese AI startups and potential strategic backing from two of the country’s largest tech companies. The news is material for DeepSeek and relevant to the broader AI venture funding landscape, but it is still preliminary.

Analysis

Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group are reportedly in talks to invest in AI startup DeepSeek, which is seeking funding at a valuation above $20 billion. The report signals continued investor interest in Chinese AI startups and potential strategic backing from two of the country’s largest tech companies. The news is material for DeepSeek and relevant to the broader AI venture funding landscape, but it is still preliminary.