DeepSeek’s Normally Boring CEO Is Reportedly Spiraling After Supposed Leak - Gizmodo

What the report says

Gizmodo reported that DeepSeek, the Hangzhou-based Chinese AI company and hedge fund-linked firm, has likely put a planned second funding round on hold after a purported private conversation involving founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng circulated online. The article, citing a Bloomberg report based on unnamed knowledgeable sources, said the deal had backers prepared but is not expected to be signed for now, though the process could reportedly restart later.

The controversy centers on an alleged transcript of Liang speaking with investors ahead of an earlier funding round. Gizmodo noted that the material cannot be independently verified: links to the original post, reportedly from a Tencent-owned news outlet, no longer appear to work, while an English-language version has circulated as an unauthenticated PDF on GitHub. The supposed remarks drew attention among AI watchers because they were unusually detailed and cautious about China’s AI position, including reported discussion of compute limits, dependence on Nvidia, Huawei-related workarounds and constraints affecting talent.

According to Gizmodo’s summary of Bloomberg, Liang is said to be frustrated by the online reaction. Gizmodo framed the episode as notable partly because Liang is usually described as reserved and low-profile, while DeepSeek has become a major focus in global AI because its models are known for efficiency and low pricing compared with leading frontier systems.

The report matters because DeepSeek’s financing and possible public-market plans are being watched closely amid intense U.S.-China competition over AI chips, software ecosystems and model development. Gizmodo also cited Forbes’ billionaire ranking for Liang and said the company has reportedly begun preparing for an IPO, with a possible timing before year-end, though those details remain reported claims rather than confirmed company announcements.