Chinese AI firms DeepSeek and Moonshot secure major funding ahead of planned IPOs

DeepSeek is nearing a $12 billion funding round backed by Tencent and CATL, while Moonshot AI has completed a private round at a $50 billion valuation, both targeting IPOs in early 2027. OpenAI is seeking $30 billion at a $1.4 trillion valuation, and Anthropic is eyeing a November IPO at a potential $2 trillion valuation.

Why it matters. The surge in funding and IPO preparations by leading AI firms in the U.S. and China reflects intensifying global competition in AI development, affecting capital markets, technological advancement, and geopolitical dynamics in the sector.