Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has launched the official version of its V4 Pro model, Reuters reported on Aug. 13.

The V4-Pro-0813 has significantly strengthened agent functions and can be used via API, app and web, the report said. DeepSeek said it would raise prices for the V4 Pro and V4 Flash APIs and introduce peak and off-peak pricing plans.

The official V4 release is drawing attention after the low-cost V4 Flash unexpectedly outperformed the V4 Pro preview version unveiled in April in several independent tests.

DeepSeek also faces the task of turning its name recognition into a sustainable business. Reuters reported in July that DeepSeek was planning to raise new funding at a valuation of about $74 billion. That was just weeks after it secured about $7.4 billion in its first external funding round in June. It is a change of direction for a company that has long been reluctant to take outside capital. It shows that as the cost of AI competition rises, large investments are needed to secure semiconductors, data centres and specialised staff.

DeepSeek said it would at least double staffing across all departments, including data centres and AI agents.