Editor's note: In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, DeepSeek and its founder, Liang Wenfeng, are emerging as pioneering forces. This article delves into the story behind DeepSeek's rise and the visionary driving its success.
A Rising Force in AI
In the bustling city of Hangzhou, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, an AI laboratory named DeepSeek is capturing global attention. The lab has stirred excitement in Silicon Valley with the release of its cutting-edge R1 model, a breakthrough achieved at a fraction of the cost of mainstream counterparts like OpenAI's ChatGPT. This development has sparked debates among AI experts, some of whom view it as a challenge to the U.S.'s technological edge.
Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday, accompanied by a comprehensive paper detailing a novel approach to training large-scale reinforcement learning models without the traditional preliminary step of supervised fine-tuning. Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the U.S., surpassing established platforms.
The Man Behind the Innovation
Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of 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, focusing on advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional profit-oriented companies, DeepSeek was conceived as a platform for long-term, fundamental research where curiosity and exploration drive meaningful advancements in AI.
A Philosophy of Long-Termism
For Liang, DeepSeek represents more than a business; it's a pursuit driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns on investment but is captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI. Liang's focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence, believing that such exploration is crucial for the future of technology.
\"DeepSeek is like a side project or hobby for me,\" Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. \"We're driven by the desire to explore and understand, rather than immediate commercial incentives.\"
Recognition and Impact
Liang's innovative work has not gone unnoticed. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing where Chinese Premier Li Qiang gathered experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various sectors to discuss a draft government work report. Liang's insights into AI and technology developments were among the contributions shaping China's strategic approach to innovation.
The rise of DeepSeek and Liang's philosophy signal a new era in AI development, emphasizing long-term research and a deeper understanding of intelligence. As DeepSeek continues to challenge conventions and push boundaries, the global tech community watches closely, eager to see how this \"mysterious force from the East\" will influence the future of artificial intelligence.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
