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Big Take

The DeepSeek Freak Out

Jan 27, 2025
Bloomberg reporter Jackie Davalos discusses the meteoric rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has outpaced its U.S. counterparts. She reveals how its cost-effective models are shaking up tech stocks and raising alarms in the U.S. market. The conversation highlights the potential threats to American innovation and examines what this means for the future of AI development. Jackie also explores the political implications of this tech rivalry, spotlighting the delicate balance between technological progress and government oversight.
17:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • DeepSeek's rise as a cost-effective AI competitor challenges traditional funding strategies in the U.S. tech industry, prompting urgent reevaluation.
  • The significant market reaction to DeepSeek's success signals growing investor concerns about the future sustainability of American AI investments.

Deep dives

Emergence of DeepSeek

DeepSeek has rapidly emerged as a strong competitor in the AI sector, disrupting expectations with its innovative approach. Founded in 2023, the company has developed an AI model that boasts comparable performance to established giants like OpenAI and Google while operating at a fraction of the cost. Its training investment of approximately $6 million starkly contrasts with the billions spent by other tech companies, creating immediate skepticism about the long-term viability of traditional AI funding strategies. DeepSeek's open-source model further enhances its appeal, allowing developers to access and build on its technology, which has played a role in its swift rise to the top of app store charts.

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