Chinese artificial intelligence developer DeepSeek is preparing to file for an initial public offering as early as the end of 2026, with a target debut in 2027.

The company is simultaneously seeking to raise additional funds in the private market to bolster its capital base ahead of the public listing.

The move marks a significant step in the commercialization of China’s AI sector, which has seen intense competition and rapid scaling over the past year.

By targeting a 2027 debut, DeepSeek positions itself to capitalize on investor appetite for large-cap tech listings, provided market conditions remain favorable.

This development follows earlier reports that DeepSeek was preparing to apply for a stock market listing this year.

The company’s progress contrasts with some Western peers, such as OpenAI, which has not yet begun the critical process of holding pre-IPO investor meetings to gauge demand or establish pricing.