Editor's Note: In the rapidly evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI), China's DeepSeek is emerging as a formidable force. As part of our series on AI innovation and its global impact, we delve into the story of Liang Wenfeng, the visionary behind DeepSeek, exploring his philosophy and journey.
An AI lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has captured global attention with the release of its state-of-the-art R1 model. Developed at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's breakthrough has sparked conversations about the future of AI innovation.
Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday, accompanied by a detailed paper outlining a novel approach to training large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) models without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step.
Within days of its release, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing established platforms. The success of the R1 model has ignited discussions in tech circles about the shifting landscape of AI development and the potential for new players to make significant impacts.
About Liang Wenfeng
A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang Wenfeng co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. The fund 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, aiming to advance the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit enterprises, DeepSeek is envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research, where curiosity-driven exploration fuels meaningful advancements in AI.
Maintaining a low profile, Liang has granted interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. These rare conversations offer a glimpse into his philosophy and vision.
DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'
For Liang, DeepSeek represents more than a business venture; it is a passion project 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 challenges of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI. His focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the underlying processes, believing that such exploration is crucial for the future of AI.
Liang's approach embodies \"long-termism,\" prioritizing lasting impacts over short-term gains. By fostering an environment where fundamental research is valued, DeepSeek aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of AI technologies.
A Growing Influence
Liang's work has not gone unnoticed. Last week, he 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. Liang's participation highlights his growing influence in the field of AI within China.
As DeepSeek continues to push the boundaries of AI research, the global tech community watches with keen interest. Liang Wenfeng's journey reflects the dynamic growth of China's tech industry and its potential to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
