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DeepSeek AI Stock Market Details: Can You Buy It?

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Updated 4/23/2025 14 min read

You can’t trade what doesn’t exist on the market, and that’s the case with DeepSeek AI stock right now. But that doesn’t mean you ignore it — when a startup like DeepSeek wipes out over a trillion dollars in U.S. tech stock value, you pay attention. As a trader, the edge often comes from understanding the ripple effects before the rest of the crowd catches on.

Read this article because it cuts through the noise to explain whether you can actually invest in DeepSeek AI stock, what an IPO could look like, and how it stacks up against major players like Nvidia and OpenAI.

I’ll answer the following questions:

  • Is DeepSeek AI stock publicly traded?
  • Will DeepSeek AI have an IPO in 2025 or 2026?
  • What could DeepSeek AI’s stock price be if it goes public?
  • How does DeepSeek AI compare to companies like OpenAI and Nvidia?
  • Is DeepSeek AI backed by venture capital?
  • Can you buy DeepSeek AI stock on Robinhood?
  • Is DeepSeek AI stock considered a penny stock?
  • Is DeepSeek AI’s financial performance publicly available?

Let’s get to the content!

Are DeepSeek AI Stocks Publicly Traded?

No, DeepSeek AI is not publicly traded. As of now, you can’t buy shares of it through any brokerage, not even on overseas markets or via a backdoor listing. DeepSeek is wholly owned and bankrolled by a Chinese hedge fund named High-Flyer, run by its founder Liang Wenfeng. That kind of backing gives the company flexibility, but it also keeps retail traders locked out. And as someone who’s spent years watching hype cycles and fakeouts play out in the stock market, I’ll say this — if there’s no ticker, there’s no trade.

The lack of public access also means no public financials, no earnings reports, and no fundamentals to study. That makes DeepSeek more of a narrative mover than a trading target right now. But narratives drive markets, especially in tech stocks and the AI industry, where sentiment can shift fast and dramatically impact market value and volatility.

To track the way AI narratives are moving the market, it’s important to use a trading platform with real-time data.

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Will DeepSeek AI have an IPO in 2025 or 2026?

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There’s no confirmed timeline for a DeepSeek IPO in 2025 or 2026. Right now, the company hasn’t made any formal announcements or filed the paperwork needed to go public. That matters because IPOs are how retail traders get access to equity in new companies. Without that, you’re limited to sympathy plays and sector momentum.

What makes this interesting is the bigger trend — Chinese AI companies, like Baidu or Alibaba, have been hesitant about IPOs due to regulatory crackdowns and capital restrictions in both the U.S. and China. My experience watching IPOs tells me this: even if DeepSeek does file, geopolitical pressure and a weak Chinese VC market could delay or block a listing altogether. So, trade the reaction, not the speculation.

Even without an IPO, traders are already looking for ways to position themselves ahead of the news. Sympathy plays are a go-to strategy here — stocks that could benefit from the same themes or technologies DeepSeek is riding. Think chip suppliers, open-source software contributors, or cloud firms experimenting with cost-efficient AI. These trades rely more on momentum and sentiment than on fundamentals. But if you’re nimble, there’s opportunity in the reaction. For a clearer breakdown on trading these sympathy moves, check out this look at how to invest in AI stocks.

What Could DeepSeek AI’s Stock Price be if it IPOs?

If DeepSeek were to IPO, pricing would depend heavily on how the market values its tech versus the risks. With reports saying it trained a state-of-the-art LLM (DeepSeek-R1) for under $6 million — compared to OpenAI or Alphabet pouring hundreds of millions into similar tools — DeepSeek might come in with a lean valuation model. But don’t let the budget story fool you. If the hype holds, the market could assign a massive premium, especially with rising global demand for efficient AI models.

From a trader’s standpoint, pricing depends on demand, not just fundamentals. Look at how Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta reacted when DeepSeek launched R1 — panic selling, massive volatility, and $1 trillion erased. If DeepSeek were public, you better believe it would’ve gapped up, then reversed hard — just like any other high-flyer stock tied to artificial intelligence trends.

Another angle to consider is what kind of multiple investors might put on efficiency. If DeepSeek really did train R1 at a fraction of the usual cost, and that becomes a standard, the valuation ceiling could shift across the entire sector. That means other AI players with bloated R&D budgets could come under pressure, while leaner firms gain favor. That shift in mindset affects how future AI IPOs — not just DeepSeek — might be priced. To explore which companies could benefit from this trend, here’s a solid list of AI stocks to buy.

Market Reactions to DeepSeek AI: How it Compares to Other AI Tools

Market reaction to DeepSeek’s R1 model was immediate and violent. Nvidia, Tesla, Microsoft, and Alphabet all took hits. This wasn’t just some tech press buzz — it was a fundamental shift in how traders view the AI industry’s barriers to entry. When one low-budget model threatens the infrastructure spend of companies like Meta or OpenAI, you get fear-based selling. That’s exactly what happened in January 2025.

What sets DeepSeek apart is cost efficiency. Most AI platforms, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, are built on massive capital outlays and high-end chips. DeepSeek claims to use fewer specialized semiconductors — possibly Huawei or SMIC chips — and open-source methods that undercut the likes of Nvidia. The market saw this and said: “If this works, everyone else is overpaying.”

Having traded through dozens of AI cycles, I can tell you this isn’t the first time a disruptor hits hard. But what’s different now is that DeepSeek is Chinese, backed by a government known for going all-in once momentum builds. That’s the part traders should watch — not just the model, but the strategic backing behind it.

Top AI Stocks to Consider Instead of DeepSeek AI

If you can’t trade DeepSeek directly, look at where its influence is felt. Nvidia is still a core play — even if it took a hit, its chips are still powering much of the AI industry’s infrastructure. Microsoft, despite competition from DeepSeek’s open-source threat, is embedding AI into its entire software ecosystem. That’s long-term adoption, not just hype. Meta is another — spending billions on infrastructure after DeepSeek’s breakthrough because cost-effective AI means lower overhead.

Want something more indirect? Tencent and Alibaba are already integrating Chinese LLMs into their services. These firms benefit from domestic demand and regulatory alignment. They also stand to gain from DeepSeek’s momentum without being the front-facing brand taking the geopolitical heat. In my own scans, I’d also keep an eye on chipmakers like SMIC or infrastructure providers like Vertiv — companies that benefit from AI adoption regardless of who builds the model.

Another company worth watching is Vertiv. It isn’t building models, but it’s quietly powering the AI buildout behind the scenes — think cooling systems, power infrastructure, and data center support. As AI adoption ramps up globally, demand for those essentials rises with it. That’s the kind of behind-the-curtain play that doesn’t depend on headlines or individual model launches. It’s more stable, but still benefits from the trend. For more tickers like this, here’s a list of the best AI 2.0 stocks that offer a different kind of exposure.

What are the Risks of Trading AI Stocks?

AI stocks are volatile — that’s not news. But what traders often miss is why they swing so hard. It’s not just earnings or guidance — it’s narrative. One new model, one GPU export ban, one government statement, and the whole sector can gap. That’s what makes it risky, especially if you’re holding overnight or trading without a stop.

There’s also regulatory and geopolitical risk. If you’re trading Chinese firms, you’re exposed to government decisions in Beijing and Washington. That’s not like trading a U.S. cloud company. It’s a different set of headlines that can slam your position before the market even opens. I’ve seen traders get wrecked chasing AI pops without understanding the real risks — censorship concerns, transparency issues, and cross-border capital restrictions can kill a setup fast.

As someone who’s traded through bubbles, crashes, and squeezes, I’ll say this: trade the chart, but know the story. AI stocks can move 20% in a day on nothing but news.

Key Takeaways

  • DeepSeek AI is not publicly traded, so retail traders can’t buy shares — yet.
  • The startup’s low-cost AI model disrupted major names like Nvidia and Microsoft, showing traders where the next wave of volatility might come from.
  • If DeepSeek IPOs, expect a high valuation driven by hype, cost advantage, and government support — but also expect volatility.
  • Consider trading sympathy plays like Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, Tencent, and Alibaba instead.
  • Understand the real risks behind AI trades: geopolitical shifts, funding transparency, and technical breakthroughs can all trigger massive moves.

There are a ton of ways to build day trading careers… But all of them start with the basics.

Before you even think about becoming profitable, you’ll need to build a solid foundation. That’s what I help my students do every day — scanning the market, outlining trading plans, and answering any questions that come up.

You can check out the NO-COST webinar here for a closer look at how profitable traders go about preparing for the trading day!

What do you use to gain an edge in trading AI stocks? Write “I won’t trade without a plan” in the comments if you’re ready to trade the right way!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Buy DeepSeek AI Stock on Robinhood?

No, you can’t buy DeepSeek stock on Robinhood or any other platform. It’s not listed, it has no ticker, and it doesn’t trade on any exchange. If you’re looking for exposure, stick to AI ETFs or companies impacted by DeepSeek’s success, like Nvidia or Microsoft.

Is DeepSeek AI Stock an AI Penny Stock?

No. DeepSeek is a private firm, and there’s no public valuation or stock price. So, technically, it’s not a penny stock. If it ever IPOs and lists under $5 per share, it might fall into that category, but that’s speculation. Right now, DeepSeek isn’t available for trading at any price.

Is DeepSeek AI’s Financial Performance Publicly Available?

No. As a private company, DeepSeek doesn’t release financials. There are no earnings calls, no quarterly reports, and no audited data. Everything we know about costs — like the reported $6 million model training figure — is based on comments and media coverage. As a trader, treat those numbers with caution until proven.

What role does AI innovation play in investment strategies and valuations?

AI innovation is reshaping how analysts and institutional investors evaluate tech firms, especially those competing in artificial intelligence. Companies with leading AI development, like Tesla or Meta, often see their valuations soar based on future potential rather than current revenue. For traders, that means price action can reflect sentiment around breakthroughs more than fundamentals — a setup for both explosive gains and sudden reversals.

How do portfolios and equity positions change when chasing AI returns?

When traders add high-flyer tech stocks to their portfolios, they’re usually chasing outsized returns — but also taking on more volatility. Equity positions in AI-driven companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, or Alphabet can become overweighted in portfolios due to rapid price gains, leading to imbalance and increased risk. That’s why I always stress position sizing and using profits to rebalance, especially in sectors known for boom-and-bust cycles.

How are startups and business leaders affecting growth and innovation in AI?

AI startups like DeepSeek and Manycore are pushing boundaries by introducing faster, cheaper models, shifting the focus from capital to creativity. Business leaders and CEOs, especially those in China and the U.S., are redefining what it means to scale AI while staying efficient. Analysts are watching leadership strategy closely because a strong innovation pipeline can drive growth — even in companies without profits.

What impact do servers, apps, and chatbots have on AI hardware and data centers?

The rise of AI chatbots and smart apps is driving demand for powerful servers and scalable data centers, creating tailwinds for hardware providers like Vertiv and Huawei. These infrastructure needs aren’t just technical — they’re critical to deployment, uptime, and performance at scale. Traders should watch for hardware names riding these trends, especially those tied to low-cost, efficient deployment models.

How should traders use articles, reporting, and newsletters to improve market performance?

Staying informed through articles, real-time reporting, and trusted newsletters helps traders interpret the news before it moves the market. Reuters, for example, often breaks market-moving stories on earnings results or major company moves before broader outlets catch on. Incorporating these insights into trading plans can sharpen timing and help you react quickly to surprise results or sentiment shifts.



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* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”