Chinese AI company DeepSeek is set to launch its first external funding round, aiming for a valuation exceeding $10 billion. This marks a significant shift from its previous self-reliant model, as the company seeks to incorporate external capital for the first time since its founding. Previously valued at approximately $3.4 billion in 2025, DeepSeek's rapid rise is attributed to its low-cost, high-performance open-source models, which have matched leading U.S. models at significantly lower training costs. The move is seen as a strategic step towards accelerating commercialization and global expansion, reflecting investor interest in efficient AI solutions. As the AI industry shifts focus from sheer computational power to efficiency and practical application, DeepSeek is emerging as a key player in China's AI ecosystem, challenging global competitors with its innovative approach.