An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has sent ripples through Silicon Valley with the release of its cutting-edge model. Trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's R1 model has sparked global attention and debate.
Founded by the enigmatic Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday, accompanied by a comprehensive paper detailing a novel training approach. This method bypasses the traditional supervised fine-tuning (SFT) step, relying instead on large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) to train the model.
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 previously dominant ChatGPT. The breakthrough has ignited discussions in tech circles about the shifting dynamics in artificial intelligence development and whether U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological edge.
Who Is Liang Wenfeng?
Liang Wenfeng, a graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in artificial intelligence, is a name rapidly gaining recognition in the global tech community. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, which quickly made its mark through 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 venture by founding DeepSeek. Unlike traditional for-profit enterprises, DeepSeek is envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research in artificial general intelligence (AGI). Liang's vision is driven by a deep curiosity and a commitment to exploring the complexities of human intelligence and cognition.
DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'
Liang views DeepSeek as more than just a business endeavor; it's a pursuit of knowledge and understanding. He acknowledges that foundational research often offers low immediate returns on investment, but he is captivated by the challenge it presents. "Exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI is crucial, even without immediate commercial incentives," Liang remarked in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media outlet 36Kr.
His approach emphasizes "long-termism," focusing on the enduring impact of advancing AI capabilities rather than short-term gains. This philosophy resonates with a growing movement within the tech industry that prioritizes sustainable and ethical development of artificial intelligence.
A Rising Influence
Liang's contributions have not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of government. 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. Liang's inclusion highlights the importance of AI innovation in China's strategic planning and his emerging role as a key influencer in the field.
As DeepSeek continues to challenge established norms and push the boundaries of AI research, the global tech community watches closely. Liang Wenfeng's journey from a curious student to a pioneering AI researcher embodies the dynamic spirit of innovation driving Asia's ascent in the global technology landscape.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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