In the heart of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, a new force in artificial intelligence is emerging. DeepSeek, founded by the enigmatic Liang Wenfeng, has captured global attention with its groundbreaking AI model, challenging industry giants and redefining innovation.
Last Monday, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model—a state-of-the-art reinforcement learning model developed without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step. This bold approach has not only set Silicon Valley abuzz but also positioned DeepSeek at the forefront of AI advancement. Within days, the DeepSeek app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing even the widely acclaimed ChatGPT.
A Disruptor in the AI Landscape
The release of the R1 model has ignited intense debate among AI experts and industry leaders. Many describe DeepSeek's rapid ascent as a challenge to the technological dominance of well-established U.S. companies like Meta and OpenAI. Critics argue that DeepSeek's success is counteracting efforts to limit China's high-tech ambitions, highlighting the dynamic and competitive nature of the global AI landscape.
The Man Behind the Innovation
Liang Wenfeng is no stranger to pioneering ideas. A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. Leveraging AI-driven trading strategies, High-Flyer quickly gained recognition for predicting market trends and making data-driven investment decisions. By 2021, the fund had fully integrated AI into its operations, showcasing Liang's commitment to innovation.
In May 2023, Liang founded DeepSeek with a vision to advance the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek is a platform for long-term, fundamental research. Liang's approach is rooted in curiosity-driven exploration, aiming to understand the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it.
A Philosophy of 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a company—it's a manifestation of his dedication to foundational research. He acknowledges that while basic research may not yield immediate commercial returns, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is invaluable. "Exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI captivates me," Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media outlet 36Kr. "It's about pushing boundaries and embracing the challenges that come with uncharted territory."
Recognition at Home and Abroad
Liang's innovative work has not gone unnoticed. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought insights from experts across various sectors on a draft government work report. Liang's participation underscores his growing influence and the significance of DeepSeek's contributions to China's technological advancements.
Shaping the Future of AI
As DeepSeek continues to rise, Liang Wenfeng remains a figure of intrigue and inspiration. His commitment to long-termism and foundational research reflects a philosophy that prioritizes knowledge over immediate gains. In a rapidly evolving industry, Liang's vision for DeepSeek represents a fresh perspective on innovation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.
With the world watching, DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng are poised to make lasting impacts on the global AI landscape, signaling a new era of competition and creativity originating from the East.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
