AI startup DeepSeek has announced a pause in its fundraising efforts following a series of viral posts from its founder that have triggered investor scrutiny. Initially seeking to raise over 10 billion yuan in a follow-on deal to push its valuation past $71 billion, the company is now taking a step back to review its growth strategy after recently completing a record $7 billion funding round. Prospective investors have been advised to wait as the discussions surrounding the stalled fundraising round continue.