The mastermind behind DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
The mastermind behind DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
The Zhejiang University graduate leading China's AI revolution.
Chinese tech startup DeepSeek, which is posing a significant challenge to the U.S. AI monopoly, was founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng and operates from an AI lab in Hangzhou, eastern China. Since unveiling DeepSeek’s R1 model, which created a global buzz, founder Liang, 40, has become a national hero in China. Last week, he was even invited to a symposium in Beijing chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The event aimed to gather insights from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various sectors for an upcoming government report.
Liang graduated from Zhejiang University, one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, with a degree in artificial intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantum hedge fund High Flyer, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven investment strategies. High Flyer serves as the sole source of funding for DeepSeek. By 2021, the hedge fund had fully integrated AI into its operations, using machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions. According to the hedge fund’s website, its team includes award-winning mathematicians and physicists, many of whom boast silver and gold medals in academic competitions and advanced degrees in fields such as statistics, research, and cybernetics.
In May 2023, Liang made a bold move by founding DeepSeek with the aim of advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI) through AI-based research. According to a report in Forbes, DeepSeek’s unique funding model, supported entirely by High Flyer, has allowed it to pursue ambitious AI projects without the pressures of external investors. This model enables the company to focus on long-term research and development.
DeepSeek’s team, consisting of just ten individuals, is made up of exceptional talent from leading Chinese universities. The company fosters a culture of innovation and places a strong emphasis on expertise in the Chinese language and culture. When selecting staff, DeepSeek prioritizes technical capabilities over traditional work experience, leading to a team with fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas in AI development.
Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term research aimed at achieving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Liang has intentionally maintained a low profile, granting exclusive interviews only to Anyong, a subsidiary of Chinese tech media company 36Kr. In these interviews, he has shared glimpses of his philosophy and vision.
For Liang, DeepSeek is reportedly less of a commercial enterprise and more of a side project driven by his curiosity and commitment to fundamental AI research.
