According to two informed sources, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) intends to participate in the funding round of the domestic artificial intelligence company DeepSeek. This potential investment comes as CATL is actively expanding its business, selling power support equipment to AI data centers.

The sources indicated that DeepSeek's initial funding round aims to raise approximately RMB 50 billion (equivalent to USD 7.35 billion), with the capital settlement potentially completed as early as next month. Previous reports suggested that following this round of financing, DeepSeek's valuation could exceed RMB 350 billion (equivalent to USD 51.4 billion).

Related individuals stated that JD.com and NetEase are also in discussions regarding potential investments, though the deals have not yet been finalized. Negotiations among the parties are ongoing, and details such as the investment amounts and the final roster of investors remain subject to change.

Beyond its core automotive power battery business, CATL also supplies backup power batteries and energy storage systems for AI data centers. Earlier this month, an affiliate of CATL announced a strategic investment of USD 942 million in domestic data center operator GDS Holdings. Concurrently, CATL has also invested in Zhongheng Electric, a company specializing in the development of power supply systems for data centers.

In response to market rumors, CATL declined to comment. JD.com also did not respond, while DeepSeek and NetEase have not yet replied to requests for comment.