Chinese AI startup Deepseek seeks $300 million in outside funding at $10 billion valuation, marking its first external investment round after facing competition and delays.

Deepseek is pursuing outside investment for the first time, aiming to raise at least $300 million

The company is valued at $10 billion in the funding round

The shift reflects challenges including delayed model releases and loss of top researchers to rival companies

Deepseek faces mounting competitive pressure from well-funded tech giants in the AI sector