In a dramatic turn of events, Chinese tech firm DeepSeek has shaken up the global AI industry, drawing attention to its low-profile CEO, Liang Wenfeng.
Known for his modest approach to fame, Liang had long dreamed of gaining respect in the world of technology, which is dominated by the US.
Today, he’s achieving that and more with the success of DeepSeek’s breakthrough AI app.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Liang’s journey from an unassuming entrepreneur to an AI pioneer is nothing short of remarkable.
By all accounts, the 40-year-old CEO launched his groundbreaking app in the United States on the same day as Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Little did the world know that this launch would mark the beginning of a meteoric rise for DeepSeek, with the app becoming the most downloaded free app in the US.
Its rapid success sent shockwaves across Silicon Valley and Wall Street, causing the value of rival AI firms to plummet.
DeepSeek’s triumph has made Liang a national hero in China, where his achievements have earned him a seat with the country’s prime minister, Li Qiang.
As the only AI CEO at the meeting of China’s leading entrepreneurs, Liang shared his vision for the future of technology.
Beijing has since announced its intention to focus on advancing key core and cutting-edge technologies.
Overcoming Doubts and Building a Vision
In his early career, Liang’s bold ambition was met with skepticism.
Described as a “nerdy” figure with an unkempt hairstyle, Liang’s vision of building a 10,000-chip cluster to train his own AI models sounded far-fetched to his colleagues at the time.
However, his determination and unconventional ideas ultimately proved them wrong.
One business partner recalls, “We didn’t take him seriously at first, but his passion and belief were undeniable.”
Born to two elementary school teachers in the port city of Zhanjiang, Liang’s early life was shaped by a passion for mathematics.
He was a standout student who taught himself calculus in middle school and balanced his studies with a keen interest in learning efficiently.
Later, Liang went on to study information technology at Zhejiang University, where his love for tech took root.
From Finance to Tech Giant
Though Liang’s academic background was in tech, his career began in finance.
After graduation, he founded Jacobi, an investment firm, before starting High-Flyer in 2015.
High-Flyer, one of China’s leading hedge funds, utilized AI and algorithms to predict stock price movements, earning Liang a fortune.
His work with AI technology at High-Flyer paved the way for the creation of DeepSeek in 2023, which has since become a major player in the AI sector.
Building a Team and Creating a Culture
Liang’s leadership style is hands-on and collaborative.
He is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of DeepSeek, working late into the night alongside his team.
Known for promoting a free and open culture, Liang encourages his employees to be passionate and curious.
He’s built a team of young graduates from top Chinese universities, and his approach has fostered innovation and productivity within the company.
One of the key decisions that set DeepSeek apart was Liang’s choice to make the company’s code open-source.
His reasoning? “For technologists, having others follow your work gives a great sense of accomplishment,” Liang explained.
By prioritizing open-source collaboration over commercial interests, Liang has earned respect within the tech community.
China’s Growing Support for DeepSeek
While DeepSeek wasn’t initially considered the frontrunner in China’s AI startup scene, the company’s rapid growth has caught the attention of the Chinese government.
Experts predict that as DeepSeek continues to excel, it will be granted access to more resources and celebrated as an example of what is possible with limited computing powe
r. Chinese state media has praised DeepSeek’s work, recognizing the company’s ability to create “miracles” in AI development.
Liang Wenfeng’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and innovation, showing the world that even against the odds, great things can be achieved.
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