Reviewed 19 October 2026. Dates retain the precision of the source; retrospective disclosures are identified in the event. Fiscal-year, quarterly and Data Center sales are labelled separately; none is presented as ARR.
Company milestones
Revenue, funding, product launches and major company events, newest first. Expand the earlier milestones for more history.
Q2 FY2027 revenue reaches $96.2B
Quarterly revenue grows 106% year over year; Data Center contributes $89.0B, up 117%. These are quarterly sales, not ARR.
Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts because the AI rollercoaster just got a whole lot wilder! DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup that has been making waves in the tech world, is now considering raising outside funding for the very first time. Yes, you heard that right—this AI wunderkind, which has been shaking up the industry with its low-cost, high-performance models, is finally opening its doors to external investors. And guess who’s knocking? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this monumental decision and its implications for the AI industry, venture capital, and global tech giants.
DeepSeek: A Quick Recap of the Rising Star
Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek has quickly emerged as a significant player in the AI industry. The company has gained prominence for its cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) that rival those of industry leaders like OpenAI and Google. What sets DeepSeek apart is its ability to deliver top-notch AI solutions at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts. This disruptive approach has not only stunned the tech world but also sent shockwaves through financial markets.
In January 2025, DeepSeek unveiled a cost-effective AI model that outperformed many Western rivals, sparking widespread concerns about the billions of dollars being poured into AI infrastructure by established players. The company even released a free AI assistant that quickly surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in downloads on the Apple App Store in the US.
OpenAI: DeepSeek: A Quick Recap of the Rising Star
The company has gained prominence for its cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) that rival those of industry leaders like OpenAI and Google. What sets DeepSeek apart is its ability to deliver top-notch AI solutions at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts.
The Funding Decision: Why Now?
So, why is DeepSeek, a company that has been self-sufficient thus far, suddenly considering outside funding? The answer lies in its meteoric rise and the challenges that come with it. The company has been grappling with a surge in demand, which has led to outages and a pressing need for more AI chips and servers to support its growing user base and further model development. According to reports, the decision to seek external funding is driven by the need to scale operations and meet the skyrocketing demand for its services.
DeepSeek’s decision to raise funds has drawn interest from heavyweights like Alibaba and Chinese state funds, including China Investment Corp and the National Social Security Fund. These entities are reportedly eager to invest in the startup, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the AI landscape.
The Alibaba Connection: A Match Made in Tech Heaven?
Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce and tech giant, has been eyeing DeepSeek as a potential investment opportunity. With its vast resources and expertise in technology, Alibaba could provide DeepSeek with the financial and operational support it needs to scale its business. Moreover, Alibaba’s interest in DeepSeek aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its position in the AI market and compete with global tech giants like Amazon and Google.
However, let’s not forget the elephant in the room—Chinese state funds. Their involvement raises questions about the geopolitical implications of DeepSeek’s funding. With the U.S. and China already locked in a tech race, DeepSeek’s partnership with state-backed entities could further intensify competition and scrutiny.
The Alibaba Connection: A Match Made in Tech Heaven?
With its vast resources and expertise in technology, Alibaba could provide DeepSeek with the financial and operational support it needs to scale its business. Moreover, Alibaba’s interest in DeepSeek aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its position in the AI market and compete with global tech giants like Amazon and Google.
Market Impact: A Billion-Dollar Ripple Effect
DeepSeek’s innovations have already caused a stir in the financial markets. In January 2025, news of its cost-effective AI model triggered a nearly $1 trillion selloff in the stock market, as investors scrambled to reassess the long-term prospects of the AI industry. The company’s ability to deliver high-performance models at a fraction of the cost has forced established players to rethink their strategies, particularly when it comes to pricing.
While some venture capitalists view DeepSeek’s rise as a threat, others see it as an opportunity. Lower training costs could spur innovation and competition, benefiting startups and established companies alike. As one venture capitalist put it, “Scarcity of resources leads to great innovation. Silicon Valley needs to step back from the firehose of capital and focus on how to build sustainable businesses.”
A New Chapter for DeepSeek
While DeepSeek’s decision to raise outside funding is a significant milestone, it’s not without its challenges. For starters, the company will need to navigate the complexities of working with multiple stakeholders, including private investors and state-backed entities. Balancing these interests while maintaining its independence and innovative edge will be no small feat.
Additionally, there are suspicions that DeepSeek may be downplaying the costs associated with training its models. Some sources claim that the company has access to 50,000 of Nvidia’s powerful H100 GPUs, raising questions about the true cost of its operations.
DeepSeek’s decision to raise outside funding marks a pivotal moment in its journey and the broader AI industry. By opening its doors to external investors, the company is poised to scale new heights and further disrupt the market. However, this move also comes with its share of challenges and uncertainties, from managing stakeholder interests to addressing questions about its cost structure.
As DeepSeek embarks on this new chapter, one thing is clear: the AI landscape will never be the same. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, DeepSeek’s rise is a saga worth following. So, grab your popcorn and stay tuned—this is just the beginning!
NVIDIA: A New Chapter for DeepSeek
Additionally, there are suspicions that DeepSeek may be downplaying the costs associated with training its models. Some sources claim that the company has access to 50,000 of Nvidia’s powerful H100 GPUs, raising questions about the true cost of its operations.
A New Chapter for DeepSeek
As DeepSeek embarks on this new chapter, one thing is clear: the AI landscape will never be the same. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, DeepSeek’s rise is a saga worth following. So, grab your popcorn and stay tuned—this is just the beginning!
Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the latest episode of "Tech Wars: The Rise of the AI Titans." Today’s protagonist—or antagonist, depending on which side of the stock market you’re on—is none other than China’s DeepSeek AI. This scrappy startup has managed to shake the foundations of Silicon Valley and send Nvidia, the reigning king of AI hardware, into a tailspin. If you thought AI was just about chatbots and self-driving cars, think again. DeepSeek has made it clear that the battle for AI supremacy is also a battle for cost efficiency, technological dominance, and, apparently, Wall Street’s collective sanity.
Stocks Fallen: Nvidia hit by DeepSeek
Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the latest episode of "Tech Wars: The Rise of the AI Titans." Today’s protagonist—or antagonist, depending on which side of the stock market you’re on—is none other than China’s DeepSeek AI.
A Cinderella Story (With Chips Instead of Glass Slippers)
DeepSeek’s models are reportedly 20-40 times cheaper than equivalent models from OpenAI. Yes, you read that right. While OpenAI is out here charging premium prices, DeepSeek is essentially running a "Black Friday Sale" on AI models year-round.
Unlike most AI giants that rely on Nvidia’s high-performance chips, DeepSeek has managed to achieve impressive results using less powerful hardware. This is like winning a Formula 1 race in a Prius—unheard of but undeniably impressive.
DeepSeek’s models are open-source, which means they’re available for free. This has not only democratized access to advanced AI but also raised questions about whether the tech industry has been overspending on proprietary solutions.
DeepSeek’s R1 model has skyrocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store charts, dethroning OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app. This is like a new band knocking The Beatles off the charts—an event that’s sure to ruffle some feathers.
OpenAI: A Cinderella Story (With Chips Instead of Glass Slippers)
DeepSeek’s R1 model has skyrocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store charts, dethroning OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app. This is like a new band knocking The Beatles off the charts—an event that’s sure to ruffle some feathers.
Apple: A Cinderella Story (With Chips Instead of Glass Slippers)
DeepSeek’s R1 model has skyrocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store charts, dethroning OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app. This is like a new band knocking The Beatles off the charts—an event that’s sure to ruffle some feathers.
Nvidia’s Nightmare: The Fallout
Now, let’s talk about Nvidia, the chip-making giant that has been the backbone of AI development for years. Nvidia’s GPUs are the gold standard for training and running large language models (LLMs). However, DeepSeek’s success has thrown a wrench into Nvidia’s well-oiled machine. Here’s how:
Nvidia’s stock plunged by as much as 14% in pre-market trading on January 27, 2025. Other tech stocks, including ASML and Broadcom, also took a hit, with the Nasdaq index dropping by nearly 4%. It’s safe to say that Wall Street is not having a good day.
Analysts are now questioning whether Nvidia’s premium chips are still worth the price. If companies like DeepSeek can achieve similar results with less powerful hardware, why pay a premium? This has led to a broader reckoning about the economics of AI.
DeepSeek’s ability to train models using less powerful chips could inspire other companies to follow suit. This would reduce demand for Nvidia’s high-end GPUs, potentially impacting the company’s revenue and market dominance .
Nvidia’s Nightmare: The Fallout
Now, let’s talk about Nvidia, the chip-making giant that has been the backbone of AI development for years. Nvidia’s GPUs are the gold standard for training and running large language models (LLMs). However, DeepSeek’s success has thrown a wrench into Nvidia’s well-oiled machine. Here’s how:
Implications for the Tech Industry
DeepSeek’s rise is not just a story about one company disrupting another; it’s a wake-up call for the entire tech industry. Here are some of the broader implications:
Shift in AI Economics: DeepSeek has proven that you don’t need to spend billions to develop cutting-edge AI. This could lead to a shift in how companies allocate resources and prioritize efficiency over brute force.
Geopolitical Ramifications: The U.S. government has been trying to maintain its lead in AI by restricting the export of advanced chips to China. However, DeepSeek’s success shows that China can innovate even with limited access to high-end hardware. This could have significant implications for global tech competition.
Open Source vs. Proprietary Models: DeepSeek’s open-source approach challenges the proprietary models of companies like OpenAI and Google. This could democratize access to AI but also raise questions about intellectual property and data security.
What’s Next for Nvidia?
So, what does the future hold for Nvidia? While the company is undoubtedly facing challenges, it’s not time to write its obituary just yet. Nvidia still has a significant advantage in high-end GPUs, which are essential for many advanced applications. However, the company will need to adapt to the changing landscape by focusing on cost efficiency and exploring new markets.
In the grand scheme of things, DeepSeek’s rise is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of challenging the status quo. While Nvidia may be feeling the heat, this disruption could ultimately lead to a more competitive and efficient AI industry. As for DeepSeek, it has proven that sometimes, the underdog can not only compete but also redefine the game.
So, here’s to DeepSeek for shaking things up and to Nvidia for hopefully rising to the challenge. And to the rest of us, let’s grab some popcorn and enjoy the show—because the AI wars are just getting started.
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