Unveiling DeepSeek: A New Contender in AI
DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has taken the tech world by storm. Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek recently released its state-of-the-art R1 model. Trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, the breakthrough has sparked conversations across Silicon Valley and beyond.
Within days of its release, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the U.S., surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT. The R1 model has ignited a heated debate about whether U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological advantage.
Who Is Liang Wenfeng?
Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, gaining recognition for innovative AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, using 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 is a platform for long-term, fundamental research. Liang envisions DeepSeek as a space where curiosity-driven exploration drives meaningful advancements in AI.
A Philosophy of Long-Termism
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a startup; it's a mission driven by deep curiosity and commitment to foundational research. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns, yet he is captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and AGI. Liang focuses on understanding the essence of human intelligence, believing that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.
Liang has remained low-profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. His insights reveal a visionary dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI research.
Bridging East and West in AI Innovation
The rise of DeepSeek challenges the global AI landscape, prompting discussions about technological leadership and collaboration. As Liang continues to steer DeepSeek towards new horizons, his work symbolizes a fusion of innovation and long-term commitment that resonates beyond China's borders.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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