From Music Business Worldwide · · 1m 20s
Tencent Backs DeepSeek AI Funding
Tencent Music integrates DeepSeek AI into its streaming service as parent company backs $12B+ AI funding round.
In brief
Tencent Music integrates DeepSeek AI into its streaming service as parent company backs $12B+ AI funding round. Tencent Holdings, parent of Tencent Music Entertainment, is among the largest backers of DeepSeek's $12 billion+ funding round after integrating its AI into music streaming services. Originally reported by…
DeepSeek Raises $12B+ Funding
China-based AI company DeepSeek is close to raising at least RMB 80 billion (USD $12 billion) in a new funding round with Tencent Holdings among its biggest backers.
Tencent Integrates DeepSeek AI
Tencent Music Entertainment integrated DeepSeek into its music streaming service in 2025, using it for AI songwriting, comment sections, and recommendation pages.
Funding Round Details
The round, reported by Bloomberg, could reach RMB 100 billion ($15 billion) after DeepSeek's AI model release pushed it past its original target of RMB 50 billion ($7.5 billion).
Tencent Music's AI Integration
Tencent Music Entertainment disclosed DeepSeek integration on its March 2025 earnings call, stating it empowers users and creators in song creation through AI tools.
Copyright Concerns
The International Confederation of Music Publishers accused DeepSeek of reproducing copyrighted song lyrics, including Taylor Swift's Love Story and Ed Sheeran's Shape of You.
Next Steps for DeepSeek
DeepSeek targets a stock market listing in early 2027 and plans to restructure its business after closing the $12 billion+ funding round.
What it means
Tencent Holdings, parent of Tencent Music Entertainment, is among the largest backers of DeepSeek's $12 billion+ funding round after integrating its AI into music streaming services.
