From Talented Scholar to Billionaire CEO: The Journey of Liang Wenfeng in the Tech World
The Rise of Liang Wenfeng: From Rural Roots to AI Pioneer
A Village Transformed
Mililing, a small village in southern Guangdong, with a population of fewer than 700 residents, has recently gained fame due to its connection to Liang Wenfeng. The founder and CEO of the AI company DeepSeek, Liang’s achievements have attracted numerous visitors to his hometown, turning Mililing into a bustling spot for tourists. Local businesses, including drink and souvenir stalls, have sprung up around Liang’s childhood home, eager to capitalize on the newfound interest. Some tourists even take souvenirs from the very soil and foliage of his roots.
Liang’s Journey to Success
Liang Wenfeng’s story is one of remarkable growth and ambition. Born in 1985 to a primary school teacher, he excelled academically in a rapidly changing China transitioning away from a planned economy. In 2002, at just 17 years old, he scored the highest in his local area on the national university entrance exam.
He continued his education at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, studying electronics engineering and later completing a postgraduate program in machine vision. Instead of following a traditional corporate path, Liang chose to pursue algorithm development for stock trading after being inspired by American hedge fund pioneer James Simons. Liang even wrote a preface for the Chinese edition of Simons’ biography, demonstrating his belief in the power of predictive modeling.
Early Ventures and Growth in AI
In 2015, Liang co-founded High-Flyer Quant with his university classmate Xu Jin. This firm grew quickly, managing over 100 billion yuan and becoming one of China’s leading quantitative trading companies. They invested heavily in technology, including building a computing center featuring thousands of Nvidia graphics cards.
As High-Flyer’s computing capabilities expanded beyond trading needs, Liang pivoted towards artificial intelligence. In 2019, he established an AI lab, which transitioned into an independent entity named DeepSeek in early 2023, shortly after the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI. DeepSeek focuses on developing large language models and has quickly garnered attention both domestically and internationally, releasing models like DeepSeek-V3 and the innovative R1 reasoning model.
Recognition and Influence
Liang’s work with DeepSeek has not only made waves in China but has also attracted global attention. The R1 reasoning model, released earlier this year, surprised experts in Silicon Valley and established Liang as a significant figure in the tech arena. Time magazine included him in their list of the "100 Most Influential People of 2025," highlighting the shift in technological dominance from the U.S. to new contenders like China.
Liang’s impact on the industry is profound, particularly as competitors scramble to reassess their tactics. Kevin Zhou, a tech media founder, notes that industry leaders like Sam Altman of OpenAI now face pressure from Liang’s rise. Liang himself has voiced predictions that other AI developers might soon surpass OpenAI, citing the need for China to innovate rather than just follow.
Focus on the Future of AI
DeepSeek emphasizes an open-source approach, distinguishing itself from competitors like OpenAI. Liang has remarked that this philosophy provides Chinese companies with an accessible alternative to expensive, closed-source technologies. His company has also become a download leader on major platforms, indicating the growing demand for its offerings.
Despite his rapid ascent, Liang remains grounded in his vision for the future. He has clarified that DeepSeek’s objectives lie beyond immediate financial gain. "We’re not looking to make a quick profit," he stresses, aiming to lead technological advancements that benefit the broader ecosystem.
Liang’s media presence is minimal; he prefers privacy and has declined numerous interview requests. His sole public appearance was at a symposium alongside China’s top tech leaders, indicating his selective engagement with the media.
A Model for the Next Generation
In his hometown, Liang is celebrated as a role model and a symbol of dedication and perseverance. At his former primary school, his early achievements inspire current students, who share his story as a testament to hard work and overcoming challenges. His journey is a source of national pride and continues to motivate young minds across China. Liang Wenfeng’s story illustrates how dedication to innovation can lift a small village into the global spotlight while inspiring the next generation to dream big.
