Lost core researchers Luo Fuli to Xiaomi and Guo Daya to ByteDance

Delays to DeepSeek-V4 model due to Huawei Ascend chip compatibility work

Seeking first external funding round of $300M+ at $10B+ valuation

DeepSeek is in talks to raise at least $300 million in its first external funding round at a $10 billion valuation.

Expected release of DeepSeek's next model next week, creating competitive urgency.

DeepSeek-V4 rumored to be imminent as the 'whale' codename resurfaces, signaling a major model release.