DeepSeek Crosses $1 Billion Revenue Run Rate as Price Hikes Drive Doubling in Months

DeepSeek, the Chinese AI startup that has captured significant developer mindshare with its cost-efficient models, has reached an annualized revenue run rate of $1 billion, more than doubling from roughly $500 million just months earlier, according to figures disclosed by CEO Liang Wenfeng to investors. The milestone arrives as the company finalizes a second funding round targeting $7.5 billion at a $75 billion valuation and prepares for a Shanghai Stock Exchange IPO.