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. DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its R1 model last Monday, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Rising Star in AI
The breakthrough has drawn attention from AI experts worldwide, sparking debate about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological advantage. Within days of the release, 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.
Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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, 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 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.
DeepSeek's Philosophy of 'Long-Termism'
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, believing that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.
A Quiet Influence
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 modest presence contrasts with the significant impact his work is having on the global AI landscape.
Shaping the Future of AI
The release of DeepSeek's R1 model has ignited a heated debate about the future of AI technology. As DeepSeek challenges established tech giants, it highlights China's growing influence in the field of artificial intelligence. Liang's dedication to long-term research and innovation underscores a commitment to advancing technology for the benefit of all.
Last week, Liang 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. This invitation signals recognition of Liang's contributions and the potential impact of DeepSeek's advancements.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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