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. This article delves into the power of innovation and its global impact, exploring the man behind DeepSeek, his ideology, and his journey.
An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has set Silicon Valley abuzz with the release of its state-of-the-art model. Trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's breakthrough has drawn both admiration and criticism. Many AI experts describe it as counterproductive to U.S. attempts to curb China's high-tech ambitions.
DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its R1 model last Monday. Accompanied by a detailed paper, the model outlines how to train a large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) system without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step.
Within days, 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 release of the R1 model has ignited a heated debate in Silicon Valley about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, can maintain their technological advantage.
Liang Wenfeng: 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, quickly gaining recognition for its innovative use of 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 took a bold step by founding DeepSeek, aiming to advance the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research, where curiosity-driven exploration could drive meaningful advancements in AI.
Despite his rising prominence, Liang has remained low-profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. Through these rare conversations, a glimpse into his philosophy and vision emerges.
Embracing 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek is more than a business venture—it's a passion project driven by deep curiosity and a 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 the potential of AGI.
Liang's focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it. He believes that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives. "It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible," he shared in an interview. "True innovation requires patience and a willingness to venture into the unknown."
Impact on the Global AI Landscape
Liang's approach and DeepSeek's rapid rise have significant implications for the global AI community. The success of the R1 model challenges the notion that only well-established Western tech giants can lead in AI innovation. It also highlights the growing importance of alternative methodologies in AI development.
Last week, Liang was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors—including education, science, culture, health, and sports—on a draft government work report. This recognition underscores DeepSeek's emerging role in shaping China's AI future.
The Road Ahead
As DeepSeek continues to make waves, the global tech community watches closely. Liang Wenfeng's dedication to long-term research and his unconventional path offer a fresh perspective on innovation. His journey symbolizes the dynamic and influential role Asia plays in the realm of technology and AI.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
