Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly hiring CITIC Securities in preparation for an initial public offering on Shanghai’s STAR Market, according to Reuters and other coverage citing people familiar with the matter. The sources say the Hangzhou-based company wants to begin the IPO process this year.
The reports indicate that appointing a securities firm is a common step for companies seeking a mainland China listing, with the firm helping prepare for regulatory and market requirements. While the outlets agree on CITIC Securities’ role and the STAR Market target, the available summaries do not specify expected fundraising size, timetable beyond “this year,” or whether the filing has already occurred. Neither outlet’s excerpt confirms the IPO will proceed.
Overall, the coverage focuses on the hiring as a near-term milestone toward listing, while differing in framing: one outlet highlights the Reuters report directly, while the other reiterates that DeepSeek is “stepping closer” to an IPO based on the same reported information.
