Behind China’s Rising AI Startup DeepSeek: Unveiling Liang Wenfeng

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), a new force from the East is capturing global attention. DeepSeek, an AI lab based in Hangzhou, in east China's Zhejiang Province, has made headlines by releasing its state-of-the-art AI model, the R1, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream counterparts like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

The breakthrough has sparked discussions in Silicon Valley and beyond, with some AI experts describing it as challenging the U.S.'s attempts to curb China's high-tech advancements. Within days of its release, 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.

Meet Liang Wenfeng: The Visionary Behind DeepSeek

At the heart of DeepSeek's success is its founder, Liang Wenfeng, a graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016, quickly gaining recognition for innovative 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 embarked on a new journey by founding 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.

A Philosophy of 'Long-Termism'

For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a commercial enterprise; it's a pursuit driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research. \"Basic research often yields low immediate returns, but the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI is captivating,\" Liang told Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr, in one of his rare interviews.

Liang focuses on understanding the essence of human intelligence and believes that exploring these fundamental processes is crucial, despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives. His approach embodies a philosophy of 'long-termism,' prioritizing enduring contributions over short-term gains.

Global Impact and Recognition

DeepSeek's R1 model has ignited debates about whether U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological lead. Meanwhile, Liang has become a focal point of discussion in China. Recently, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought insights from experts and entrepreneurs across various sectors on a draft government work report.

Liang's participation underscores the significance of his work and China's commitment to advancing AI technology. As DeepSeek continues to grow, its developments are closely watched by global readers, business professionals, academics, and the Asian diaspora seeking to stay connected with innovations from the region.