Big Take Asia Who Is the Mysterious Founder of China’s DeepSeek?
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May 20, 2025 
Saritha Rai, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in AI in Asia, sheds light on the enigmatic Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek. They discuss how his reclusive nature contrasts with the ambitious AI advancements of his company. The conversation reveals DeepSeek's innovative R1 model and its implications for global tech competition, particularly between China and the U.S. They also delve into how export restrictions impact AI development and the challenges DeepSeek faces amidst fierce competition. A captivating look into the future of AI.
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Liang Wenfeng's Early Journey
- Liang Wenfeng grew up in a small village in Guangdong with teacher parents and studied at Zhejiang University.
- He co-founded a quantitative hedge fund that managed $14 billion and achieved 35% annual returns.
Geeks Built a Hedge Fund
- High Flyer Management had a quirky, geeky startup culture inspired by characters like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory.
- The company offered free snacks, poker nights, and a casual dress code to attract talented coders.
DeepSeek’s Ambitious Mission
- Liang launched DeepSeek shortly after ChatGPT, aiming to establish China as a leader in AI.
- The company focuses on cracking artificial general intelligence and positions China at the forefront of tech.