Editor's note: In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Liang Wenfeng and his creation, DeepSeek, are emerging as a \"mysterious force from the East.\" In this article, we explore the man behind DeepSeek, his ideology, and his journey.
An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, eastern China's Zhejiang Province, has set Silicon Valley abuzz with its groundbreaking advancements. DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, recently unveiled its R1 model, a state-of-the-art AI trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT.
The R1 model's release has sparked significant attention, not only for its technical prowess but also for challenging global perceptions of the Chinese mainland's role in high-tech innovation. Within days of its launch, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing established players in the AI field.
Who is Liang Wenfeng?
Graduating from Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. The firm quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies, fully integrating AI into its operations by 2021.
In May 2023, driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to foundational research, Liang founded DeepSeek. Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek focuses on advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI) through long-term, fundamental research. Liang envisions it as a platform where curiosity-driven exploration can lead to meaningful advancements in AI.
DeepSeek's Vision of 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a business—it's a passion project fueled by a desire to understand the essence of human intelligence. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns but believes that exploring complex fields like finance and AGI is crucial for long-term progress.
\"We are captivated by the challenge of unraveling the processes that underlie human intelligence,\" Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. \"Such exploration is vital, even without immediate commercial incentives.\"
Impact on the Global Tech Landscape
DeepSeek's rapid ascent has ignited debates in Silicon Valley about whether U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological lead. Critics describe DeepSeek's advancement as counterproductive to efforts aimed at curbing the Chinese mainland's high-tech ambitions.
Meanwhile, Liang's growing prominence was underscored when he was invited to a symposium in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors on a draft government work report, highlighting the importance of innovation leaders like Liang in shaping the future.
As DeepSeek continues to break new ground, the global tech community watches closely. Liang's blend of humility, visionary thinking, and commitment to long-term research embodies a new wave of innovators emerging from the Chinese mainland, poised to make significant impacts on the global stage.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
