In the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI), a new force from the East is capturing global attention. DeepSeek, an AI lab based in Hangzhou, in east China's Zhejiang Province, has made headlines with its groundbreaking R1 model. But who is the visionary behind this rising star? Meet Liang Wenfeng, the low-profile entrepreneur steering China's AI surge.
The Rise of DeepSeek
Last Monday, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model, a state-of-the-art AI system trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The release was accompanied by a detailed paper outlining an innovative approach to training large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) models without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step.
Within days, the DeepSeek app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT. The swift ascent has ignited heated debates in Silicon Valley about whether well-established U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological edge.
Who Is Liang Wenfeng?
A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in artificial intelligence, Liang's journey began in finance. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, quickly gaining 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.
The Vision Behind DeepSeek
In May 2023, Liang founded DeepSeek with a bold vision: to advance the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI) through dedicated research. Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek is a platform for long-term, fundamental exploration, where curiosity drives meaningful advancements in AI.
\"DeepSeek is more of a passion project,\" Liang shared in one of his rare interviews with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media outlet 36Kr. \"We are deeply curious about the essence of human intelligence and aim to understand the underlying processes.\"
Liang embraces a philosophy of \"long-termism,\" acknowledging that foundational research often yields low immediate returns but believing firmly in its long-term value. His focus on complex fields like finance and AGI reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, regardless of immediate commercial incentives.
Impact on China's Tech Landscape
Liang's work has not gone unnoticed by China's leadership. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing where Premier Li Qiang sought opinions from experts and entrepreneurs across various sectors on a draft government work report. Liang's insights into AI and innovation are contributing to China's strategic approach to technological development.
A Global Shift in AI Power Dynamics
The emergence of DeepSeek's R1 model has been met with both excitement and concern globally. AI experts in the U.S. have criticized the breakthrough as counterproductive to attempts to curb China's high-tech ambitions. The rapid success of DeepSeek is challenging the notion that better-resourced Western companies hold an unassailable lead in AI technology.
The Road Ahead
As DeepSeek continues to innovate, Liang remains committed to his vision of deep exploration and understanding. \"We are not just building products; we are exploring the future,\" he says. With his unique blend of financial acumen and AI expertise, Liang Wenfeng is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next chapter of artificial intelligence.
In a world where AI is becoming increasingly central to economic and societal development, figures like Liang represent the new wave of innovators driving global progress. DeepSeek's meteoric rise is not just a story about technology but about the shifting dynamics of global innovation and the individuals who propel it forward.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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