An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzho, east China's Zhejiang Province, has set Silicon Valley abuzz with the release of its state-of-the-art model, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. The breakthrough has drawn criticism from many AI experts online, who describe it as \"counterproductive\" to the U.S.'s attempt to curb China's high-tech ambitions.
DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its R1 model last Monday, accompanied by a detailed paper outlining how to train a large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) model without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step.
Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the U.S., surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT.
The release of DeepSeek's R1 model has ignited a heated debate in Silicon Valley about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, can maintain their technological advantage.
Meanwhile, Liang has become a focal point of discussion in China. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors—including education, science, culture, health, and sports—on a draft government work report.
Behind DeepSeek's Founder
Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. He co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, using machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, Liang took a bold step by founding DeepSeek, aiming at AI-focused research in advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research, where curiosity-driven exploration could drive meaningful advancements in AI.
Liang has remained low-profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. These interviews offer a glimpse into his philosophy and vision.
Embracing 'Long-Termism' in AI
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a business venture; it's a pursuit driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns on investment, yet he is captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI.
Liang's focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it. He believes that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives. \"Understanding intelligence is a journey that requires patience and dedication,\" he has said in interviews. \"It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and contributing to the collective knowledge of humanity.\"
A New Force in Global AI Innovation
DeepSeek's rapid ascent highlights the shifting landscape of global AI innovation. With its R1 model challenging established players, the company's success underscores the importance of fundamental research and the potential for breakthroughs outside traditional tech hubs.
As DeepSeek continues to grow, Liang remains committed to his vision of long-term exploration in AI. His approach reflects a belief that significant advancements come from persistent inquiry and a willingness to venture into uncharted territory.
DeepSeek's journey is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and the emerging influence of the Chinese mainland in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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