Editor's note: In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Liang Wenfeng and his creation, DeepSeek, are emerging as a \"mysterious force from the East.\" This article delves into the power of innovation and its global impact, exploring the man behind DeepSeek, his ideology, and his journey.
DeepSeek's Rise in the AI Landscape
An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, 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 like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's breakthrough has drawn attention from AI experts worldwide. Some describe it as a game-changer that challenges efforts to curb China's high-tech ambitions.
Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday. Accompanied by a detailed paper, the model outlines how to train a large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) system 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 the R1 model has ignited a heated debate in Silicon Valley about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological advantage.
Liang Wenfeng: The Man Behind the Innovation
Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in artificial intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, utilizing machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, Liang founded DeepSeek, aiming to advance 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. His philosophy centers on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it, believing that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.
DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a business venture; it's a mission driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns on investment, but he's captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI.
Last week, Liang became a focal point of discussion in China when he was invited to a symposium in Beijing. 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.
Liang's contributions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of AI innovation in China's future development. His vision emphasizes collaboration, open research, and the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of society.
The Global Impact of DeepSeek
DeepSeek's rapid ascent illustrates the dynamic nature of the global AI landscape. As the company continues to innovate, it challenges established norms and inspires others to explore new possibilities.
Whether DeepSeek will redefine the future of AI remains to be seen, but Liang Wenfeng's journey underscores the potential of visionary thinking and the impact one individual can have on a global scale.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
