DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has recently captured global attention with its innovative R1 model. Developed at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's breakthrough is shaking up the AI industry and igniting discussions about technological leadership.
Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday, along with a detailed paper explaining how to train a large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) model without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as an initial step. Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT.
The release of the R1 model has sparked a heated debate in Silicon Valley about whether well-established U.S. AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, can maintain their technological edge. Some AI experts have criticized DeepSeek's rapid advancement as countering efforts to limit China's high-tech ambitions, highlighting the dynamic and competitive nature of the global AI landscape.
While DeepSeek's rise has been swift, its founder, Liang Wenfeng, remains a figure shrouded in intrigue. Last week, Liang was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought insights from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors on a draft government work report. This invitation underscores the significance of Liang's contributions to China's technological development.
Who is Liang Wenfeng?
Graduating from Zhejiang University with a degree in artificial intelligence, Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. The fund quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies, integrating machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully embraced AI in its operations, setting new standards in the financial industry.
In May 2023, driven by a profound curiosity and a commitment to foundational research, Liang founded DeepSeek. Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term exploration in the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Liang views DeepSeek as more than a business endeavor; it's a pursuit fueled by the desire to understand the essence of human intelligence and to push the boundaries of AI research.
DeepSeek's Philosophy: Long-Termism in AI
Liang's approach with DeepSeek is rooted in \"long-termism,\" focusing on the potential of fundamental research to drive meaningful advancements. He acknowledges that such research often yields low immediate returns on investment but believes that curiosity-driven exploration is essential for significant breakthroughs. By prioritizing foundational understanding over short-term gains, DeepSeek positions itself at the forefront of innovative AI research.
\"Our aim is to delve deep into the complexities of intelligence,\" Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. \"We are less concerned with immediate commercial applications and more invested in contributing to the broader understanding of AGI.\"
DeepSeek's rapid ascent reflects the growing momentum of China's AI sector on the global stage. As debates continue about technological leadership and innovation, Liang Wenfeng and DeepSeek exemplify the transformative potential of dedication to long-term research and development.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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