Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has taken the global tech industry by storm with its latest innovation, the DeepSeek R1. Launched just two years ago, DeepSeek has managed to rival well-established Western counterparts like OpenAI's o1, all while maintaining significantly lower training costs.
What sets DeepSeek apart is its unwavering commitment to open-source technology. By allowing anyone to freely use, download, and deploy their AI models locally, DeepSeek has reshaped the competitive landscape, influencing capital markets and even impacting major players like NVIDIA.
The timing of DeepSeek’s breakthrough couldn't be more remarkable. Emerging during China's Spring Festival, a period typically dedicated to family and festivity, DeepSeek captured national attention, mirroring last year's spotlight on OpenAI's Sora during the same festive season.
Industry experts have been closely monitoring DeepSeek's progress, particularly following the release of its R1 model. However, the company's true innovation dates back to its V2 release in early 2024, laying the groundwork for what would become the game-changing V3 model. This consistent stream of advancements has firmly established DeepSeek as a rising star within the AI community.
Global cloud service providers are now integrating DeepSeek's models into their platforms, eager to capitalize on the AI momentum sparked by DeepSeek. This surge not only underscores China's growing prowess in AI but also prompts reflection among Chinese tech giants:
Why did a startup with minimal commercial pressure achieve such groundbreaking advancements over well-funded industry leaders?
The answer lies in the vision of DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng. Prior to founding DeepSeek, Liang led High-Flyer, one of China's top quantitative hedge funds that relies entirely on AI-driven investment strategies. This background provided Liang and his team with a deep understanding of AI.
Unlike many startups that quickly pursue commercialization, DeepSeek has prioritized open-source from the outset. This strategic decision was aimed not only at financial independence but also at attracting top global talent. As Liang stated, \\"In the face of disruptive technologies, a closed model's competitive moat is only temporary. The real moat lies in a team's growth, technical accumulation, and a culture of continuous innovation.\\"
He further emphasized that \\"For technical talent, having others build upon your innovations is immensely fulfilling. Open-source is more of a cultural philosophy than a business strategy – it earns respect. There is also a cultural attraction for a company to do this.\\"
In today's highly competitive AI landscape, DeepSeek's commitment to openness stands out. While industry leaders like OpenAI have shifted from open to closed models, DeepSeek continues to champion openness, with Liang believing that \\"building a strong technical ecosystem first is more important\\" than immediate commercialization.
Preview: In tomorrow's article, we will explain in simple terms how DeepSeek has reduced training costs through technological innovation and impacted the global market.
Reference(s):
Catalyst DeepSeek: The Chinese AI startup disrupting the industry
cgtn.com
