Within a few weeks of the release of DeepSeek, Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek, has quickly emerged as a major force in China’s tech industry. His AI startup has made waves by challenging Western dominance in artificial intelligence, triggering a global tech stock selloff after its recent launch.
DeepSeek’s rapid rise highlights Beijing’s push to bridge the AI gap with the U.S., positioning Liang as a key figure in China’s next-generation tech ambitions. His previously low-profile presence took a sharp turn when he was invited to a closed-door symposium with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on January 20, alongside top officials and business leaders. In this article, we are going to take a look at the founders of Deepseeks.
Who are the founders of DeepSeek?
Liang Wenfeng is the founder behind DeepSeek, a Chinese AI software company which was established in 2023. The 39-year-old Liang was born in 1985 in Mililing Village, China, Liang earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering from Zhejiang University. His graduate research focused on target tracking algorithms using low-cost PTZ cameras. Liang Wenfeng is the driving force behind DeepSeek’s mission to achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He believes that AI has the potential to surpass human cognitive abilities and is pushing his team to explore new model structures to achieve this goal.
Before launching DeepSeek, Liang co-founded High-Flyer, a quantitative hedge fund, in 2015. Under his leadership, High-Flyer managed over $10 billion in assets by 2019. Recognizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence, he started acquiring NVIDIA GPUs in 2021 to support AI development, laying the foundation for DeepSeek’s technological advancements. He currently serves as the company’s CEO.
Liang Wenfeng believes in the power of open source in disruptive technologies. He sees closed-source advantages as temporary and aims to build an ecosystem where the industry readily utilizes DeepSeek’s technologies. Liang Wenfeng’s leadership and vision are positioning DeepSeek as a significant player in the global AI landscape. His focus on innovation, talent, and open-source principles is shaping the company’s trajectory and contributing to the advancement of AI technology.
Deepseek Founders Net Worth
As of January 2025, DeepSeek founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng’s net worth is estimated to be at least $1 billion. His wealth comes from his leadership in AI and finance, primarily through DeepSeek and High-Flyer Capital Management, a quantitative trading hedge fund.
Forbes estimates that Wenfeng owns about 84% of DeepSeek, while his stake in High-Flyer is valued at approximately $180 million. Chinese corporate records indicate that he holds 85% of another High-Flyer entity, and his equity in the firm could be even higher since he manages 65 of its 503 active funds.
DeepSeek, the AI startup Wenfeng founded, has gained significant attention for its chatbot, which has disrupted the AI industry.
Deepseek Founder Interviews
In a 2023 interview with Chinese tech publication 36KR, DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng shared his vision for the company: developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that surpasses human cognitive abilities. He also expressed confidence in AI startups competing with larger, established companies. “The market is constantly evolving,” Wenfeng said. “Success isn’t determined by existing rules or conditions, but by the ability to adapt and navigate change.”
In a recent interview with a media outlet, DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng shared insights on the company’s impact, vision, and culture.
DeepSeek’s Price War: Accidental Disruption
DeepSeek’s release of its open-source V2 model sparked a price war in the AI industry, but Liang insists this wasn’t the company’s intention. Their pricing strategy was based purely on cost calculations, not market disruption. DeepSeek’s ultimate goal is to develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which requires pushing the limits of model efficiency and capability.
Innovation & Open Source
Liang believes that as China’s economy grows, its tech industry must shift from being a beneficiary to a true contributor. DeepSeek aims to build an ecosystem where businesses can directly integrate its AI technologies. The company also sees closed-source strategies as short-lived in the face of disruptive innovation.
Talent & Culture
DeepSeek prioritizes fresh thinking over traditional experience when hiring. The company actively recruits Gen Z talent, book lovers, and humanities graduates, fostering a culture of creativity and deep technical problem-solving through open collaboration.
Overall, Liang emphasizes that DeepSeek is not just another AI company, it’s on a mission to lead innovation, embrace open-source development, and shape the future of AGI.
Wrapping Up
Liang Wenfeng’s rapid ascent in the AI industry signals a major shift in the global tech landscape. As DeepSeek continues to challenge established players and drive China’s AI ambitions forward, its impact on innovation and market dynamics will be closely watched. Understanding the minds behind DeepSeek provides valuable insight into the future of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the world stage.
