Editor's note: In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), DeepSeek and its founder, Liang Wenfeng, are emerging as a \"mysterious force from the East.\" This article takes you behind the scenes to explore the man behind DeepSeek, his philosophy, and his journey.
An AI laboratory based in Hangzhou, eastern China's Zhejiang Province, has set Silicon Valley abuzz with its recent breakthrough. DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its state-of-the-art R1 model last Monday, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The launch has sparked discussions among AI experts worldwide, with some describing it as a \"counterbalance\" to attempts at curbing China's high-tech ambitions.
Within days of its release, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of free app charts on the iPhone in both China and the U.S., surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT. The R1 model's success has ignited debates in Silicon Valley about whether well-established U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological lead.
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 insights from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors on a draft government work report.
Who Is Liang Wenfeng?
A graduate of 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. 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.
Despite his rising prominence, Liang remains low-profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. Excerpts from these interviews offer a glimpse into his philosophy and vision.
DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a business venture—it's a passion project 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.
\"Our focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it,\" Liang said in an interview. \"I believe that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.\"
Liang's approach emphasizes long-term thinking and the importance of fundamental advancements over short-term gains. This philosophy sets DeepSeek apart in an industry often driven by immediate profitability.
A Global Impact
DeepSeek's rapid ascent reflects a broader trend of innovative AI development emerging from Asia. As the company continues to challenge industry norms and technological frontiers, it highlights the dynamic role that Asian enterprises are playing in shaping the future of AI on a global scale.
For investors, academics, and tech enthusiasts worldwide, DeepSeek represents both an exciting development in AI and a case study in visionary leadership. Liang Wenfeng's journey underscores the potential of long-term commitment to innovation and the global impact that can result from it.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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