In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, a new player from China's Hangzhou is capturing global attention. DeepSeek, an AI lab founded by the enigmatic entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng, has taken the tech industry by storm with its groundbreaking R1 model. Trained at a fraction of the cost compared to mainstream counterparts like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's innovation is challenging the status quo and igniting discussions about the future of AI.
Within days of its release, the DeepSeek app surged to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing even the widely popular ChatGPT. This rapid ascent has not only captivated users but also stirred debates in Silicon Valley. Many experts are questioning whether established AI giants like Meta and OpenAI can maintain their technological lead in the face of such agile and cost-effective competition.
Liang Wenfeng, the mastermind behind DeepSeek, has remained largely out of the public eye. A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. High-Flyer quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies, fully integrating machine learning models by 2021 to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for foundational research, Liang established DeepSeek. Unlike traditional profit-driven ventures, DeepSeek is envisioned as a platform for long-term exploration in the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Liang believes that by focusing on understanding the essence of human intelligence, meaningful advancements in AI can be achieved without the immediate pressure of commercial incentives.
Last week, Liang's influence reached new heights when he was invited to a symposium in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts and entrepreneurs across various sectors on a draft government work report. Liang's participation highlights the growing significance of AI innovation in China's national agenda.
Despite his low profile, Liang has offered glimpses into his philosophy through rare interviews with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr. He emphasizes the importance of \"long-termism\" in research, advocating for curiosity-driven exploration over immediate returns. As DeepSeek continues to make waves in the AI community, all eyes are on Liang Wenfeng and his vision for the future of artificial intelligence.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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