AI money keeps flowing as Deepseek plans record raise and Core Automation quadruples valuation in weeks
$7.35B. That's what DeepSeek is raising—the largest funding round ever for a Chinese AI company. Meanwhile, a startup founded six weeks ago just quadrupled to a $4B valuation.
Why it matters
Capital is flooding into frontier AI at accelerating velocity. DeepSeek's record raise signals investor confidence in Chinese AI, while Core Automation's meteoric valuation climb—driven by ex-OpenAI talent—shows how scarce, proven AI leadership commands unprecedented multiples in weeks, not years.
The key facts
5 to knowDeepSeek planning $7.35B funding round—largest ever for Chinese AI company
DeepSeek V4.1 launching June 2026
Core Automation (founded by ex-OpenAI Jerry Tworek) reached $4B valuation in 6 weeks
Core Automation quadrupled valuation in weeks
Published May 8, 2026
Go to the source
The Decoderthe-decoder.com
Publisher excerpt: Deepseek is planning a funding round of up to $7.35 billion, the largest ever for a Chinese AI company. Deepseek V4.1 is set to launch in June. Meanwhile, Core Automation, founded by ex-OpenAI researcher Jerry Tworek just six weeks ago, is already targeting a $4 billion valuation.