Editor's note: In the rapidly evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI), a new player from the Chinese mainland is reshaping the global landscape. DeepSeek and its founder, Liang Wenfeng, are emerging as a mysterious force driving innovation and challenging norms. As part of our series on AI, we delve into the journey of this visionary and his groundbreaking work.
Rising Star: DeepSeek's Breakthrough in AI
An AI lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, DeepSeek has caught the world's attention by releasing its state-of-the-art R1 model. Remarkably, this model was trained at a fraction of the cost compared to mainstream counterparts like OpenAI's ChatGPT.
The release has stirred conversations across the tech world. Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing even the once-dominant ChatGPT. This rapid ascent has ignited debates in Silicon Valley about whether well-established U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological edge.
Liang Wenfeng: The Man Behind the Vision
At the heart of DeepSeek's success is its founder, Liang Wenfeng. A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, gaining recognition for pioneering AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, leveraging machine learning to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, Liang embarked on a new journey by founding DeepSeek, aiming to advance the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional ventures, DeepSeek is envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research. Liang's approach emphasizes curiosity-driven exploration, believing that meaningful advancements in AI come from understanding the essence of human intelligence.
A Philosophy of Long-Termism
Liang views DeepSeek not just as a business, but as a passion project fueled by deep curiosity. He acknowledges that foundational research may not yield immediate returns, but he is captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and AGI. \"Understanding the underlying processes of human intelligence is crucial,\" Liang has expressed in rare interviews with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. \"It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, even if the commercial incentives aren't immediate.\"
Recognition and Influence
Liang's innovative work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought insights from experts and entrepreneurs on a draft government work report. Liang's participation highlights his growing influence in China's tech sector and underscores the significance of AI advancements on national agendas.
The Future of AI with DeepSeek
As DeepSeek continues to make strides, its impact on the global AI landscape is becoming increasingly evident. The company's rapid rise challenges traditional notions of technological leadership and invites a re-examination of innovation's global dynamics. With Liang Wenfeng at the helm, DeepSeek represents a blend of visionary thinking and practical application, poised to shape the future of AI.
For investors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, DeepSeek's journey offers valuable insights into the evolving world of AI—a field where curiosity and long-term vision can redefine what's possible.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
