DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng received a warm welcome in Guangdong, the province where he grew up, as he returned for the Lunar New Year, accompanied by bodyguards. Locals celebrated his achievements, particularly his recent breakthrough in AI, which showed that powerful AI models could be built with fewer Nvidia chips.
This discovery has major implications, especially in China, where access to advanced semiconductor technology is limited due to trade restrictions. Wenfeng, who became a billionaire through his hedge fund, High-Flyer, is now seen as an influential figure in the AI industry.
Residents remember Wenfeng as a bright student with a passion for mathematics and comic books. An educational family background shaped his early years, and he was known for his academic excellence.
Some recall that he even played football as a child. Many in his hometown take pride in his success, considering his accomplishments a source of inspiration. His research with DeepSeek has further strengthened his reputation, positioning him as a key player in China’s AI advancements.
Despite his growing influence, Wenfeng has remained relatively private, avoiding the spotlight. This has only fueled curiosity about him, as many are eager to learn more about the entrepreneur behind DeepSeek’s innovations.
However, given China’s political landscape, where high-profile business leaders like Jack Ma and Pony Ma have faced government scrutiny, Wenfeng may prefer to stay out of public view. His decision to maintain a low profile could be a strategic move to avoid unwanted attention while continuing to push forward in the AI space.