DeepSeek isn’t taking VC money yet — here are 3 reasons why

DIPSC founder Liang Wenfeng does not rush to get investment from foreigners, WSJ Report Monday.

After the Chinese AI Company is one of the most popular AI Startups DIPSECs in the world right now Took the Silicon Valley with the storm With Its latest model Early this year.

Contrary to the Diploma’s AI model suppliers, who announced the mega-rounds filled with regular investors, Liang did not announce any funds despite the interest of a lot of VC. There are even rumors about the informed investors Fuel (baseless) assembly In some Chinese stock.

DEPSEC Founder does not want to lose control

The analysis of Chinese corporate records made by TechCrunch has shown that DIPSEC is 84%owned by Liang. The rest of the startup is owned by Liang’s Hedge Fund, people associated with high-fly.

This means that opposite most startups, which require external capital and thus used for at least some external effects, DEPSEC is basically a man show. And Liang’s VCS does not have the highest respect for the opinion.

When Liang was trying to increase capital in the past, he was released by the VCS focusing on the quick monetization as opposed to basic research, he said A 2023 interview with Chinese mediaThe

WSJ said Liang did not say yes to investors when he was hit by his door, he did not want to share control of his company, said WSJ.

DEPSEC does not require funds – still

Most startups need capital from investors from the beginning. However, DIPSEC is a unique animal. Liang has been able to fund the DEPS through the profit of the high-flair, reduces its requirement for outside investment.

“Money has never been a problem for us; Prohibitions on the shipment of advanced chips are problems, “Liang said in 2021.

Investors may deepen faith and privacy anxiety

As a Chinese company, DIPSEC works under a strict Chinese law that gives access to its government’s broad data.

Anxiety over this has encouraged from DEPSEC restrictions The government’s growing number Even Some private organizationThe

These prohibitions may be worse if DIPSEC accepts money from any Chinese investors, who face similar problems.

The US government’s Chinese technology agencies have a history of approval, which says that telecom giants are close to the Chinese government like Huawei and popular drone maker DJI.

It did not prevent some Chinese state entity in investing in the DEPSEC to invest, for information ReportAlthough there is no indication that the DIPSEC has accepted.

Why all this may change

This does not mean that the Deputy will never increase the capital, though.

Early this month, DEPSEC A (basically theoretical) declared the margin of profit For the first time, to indicate a change towards cashing – some VCS is worth but that Liang was previously dismissed.

In order to keep pace with other AI heavyweights, DIPSEC will probably require more and better access to AI chips – the biggest obstacle to its development, Liang, said in 2021. These chips are expensive and are heavily limited in China US export controlThe

The ability to be self-sufficient in the diplos can also be faded. Although Hi-Flare has done well in the past, some of its flagship funds have been less efficient since 2022, the WSJ said.

It also does not help that China has been the government The cracking down In quant funds like hi-flair since 2024.

According to multiple news reports, the names of some concrete are being circulated, and DIPSEC has already taken interest from tensent and Alibaba.

DIPSEC immediately did not respond to any request for comment.