China

• DeepSeek, a prominent Chinese AI startup based in Hangzhou, recently held a highly exclusive four-hour pitch meeting with potential venture investors. • The meeting was strictly controlled, limiting attendance to only two representatives per institution to maintain a tight circle of potential backers. • This move signals China's strategic ambition to challenge global AI dominance by flooding the market with high-performance, low-cost artificial intelligence solutions.

• Asian stock markets rose following the release of soft US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which boosted investor sentiment regarding potential interest rate cuts. • Market performance was mixed, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index advancing 1.5%, while China’s Shanghai Composite and the CSI 300 both edged down by 0.3%. • Traders are currently balancing the positive US inflation data against geopolitical risks stemming from tensions in Iran and China's recent GDP miss.

• China's GDP growth in the second quarter slowed to its lowest pace in three and a half years, missing market expectations. • The year-on-year growth rate marks the slowest expansion since the fourth quarter of 2022. • This cooling indicates a significant slowdown in China's economic momentum, raising concerns about the country's overall recovery trajectory.

• Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is in talks to raise $1.5 billion at a valuation of $71 billion, following a previous $7 billion funding round. • The deal is backed by major investors, including Tencent and a state-led AI fund from Beijing, signaling strong domestic support. • This rapid growth demonstrates China's ability to advance its AI capabilities despite ongoing U.S. restrictions on high-end technology.

• Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek is in talks with investors for a new financing round targeting a pre-investment valuation of approximately US$70 billion. • This follows a landmark Series A round closed in June, which raised about US$7 billion and valued the Hangzhou-based firm at nearly US$60 billion. • The rapid surge in valuation reflects intense investor demand to back a national AI champion amidst a global race for frontier artificial intelligence.

• Chinese AI stocks experienced a rise following reports that DeepSeek, a prominent AI startup, is seeking an initial public offering (IPO) this year. • DeepSeek is identified as one of China’s “AI Tigers,” a select group of startups currently leading the nation's artificial intelligence development efforts. • This potential IPO signals growing investor confidence in China's domestic AI sector and the commercial viability of its leading startups.

• AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly exploring a massive funding round valued at $71 billion to fuel its growth. • In addition to seeking private investment, the company is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in China. • This move signals DeepSeek's ambition to scale its operations and compete more aggressively in the global artificial intelligence market.