DeepSeek IPO imminent, market expectations value could soar to 1-2 trillion, Liang Wenfeng may surpass Zhang Yiming to become China's richest person

Odaily News: In the previous first round of financing, DeepSeek released only about 10% of its shares, raising over 50 billion yuan at a valuation of $50 billion. At that time, Liang Wenfeng demanded verification of the identities of all LPs participating in the financing. In the second round of financing launched in July, according to foreign media reports, the company plans to raise 50 billion yuan at a target valuation of 500 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Liang Wenfeng has begun personally reviewing some final investors, hoping to maintain control over the company and reduce potential governance risks before the IPO.

Although the IPO is still some time away, combined with DeepSeek's second-round financing valuation, current market expectations have already surged toward 1 trillion or even 2 trillion yuan.

By then, a shift in the wealth rankings may unfold: on the Forbes China Rich List, Zhang Yiming will continue to hold the title of China's richest person in 2026 with a net worth of $69.3 billion. If DeepSeek truly breaks through 1 trillion yuan, given Liang Wenfeng's relatively high shareholding ratio in DeepSeek, he could potentially become China's new richest person. (PEdaily)