Liang Wenfeng, the founder and CEO of High-Flyer Quant, is a name that has become synonymous with innovation and success in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantitative finance. Born in 1985 in the village of Mililing, Guangdong, China, Liang’s early life was deeply influenced by his parents, both of whom were primary school teachers. Their dedication to education instilled in him a disciplined approach to learning and a relentless curiosity that would later define his career.
Liang’s academic journey began at Zhejiang University, one of China’s premier institutions for science and technology. He pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Information Engineering, followed by a Master of Engineering in Information and Communication Engineering. His master’s dissertation focused on research related to target tracking algorithms based on low-cost PTZ cameras. This early interest in applying technology to solve complex problems hinted at his future endeavors in AI and finance.
In 2008, amid the global financial crisis, Liang and his classmates began gathering data on financial markets and macroeconomic indicators. This marked the beginning of his journey into quantitative trading using machine learning and other advanced technologies. After graduation, he moved to Chengdu, Sichuan, where he experimented with ways to apply AI to various fields. While some of his early ventures faced challenges, he eventually found success by applying AI to finance.
In 2013, Liang co-founded Hangzhou Yakebi Investment Management Co Ltd with Xu Jin, an alumnus of Zhejiang University. The company focused on integrating artificial intelligence with quantitative trading. In 2015, they co-founded Hangzhou Huanfang Technology Co Ltd, which later became Zhejiang Jiuzhang Asset Management Co Ltd. By 2019, High-Flyer had over 10 billion yuan in assets under management and was ranked as the No. 1 stock hedge fund in China.
Building on his success in the financial world, Liang Wenfeng ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence with the founding of DeepSeek AI in May 2023. DeepSeek’s primary focus is developing open-source large language models (LLMs) that rival or even surpass existing industry leaders in both performance and cost-efficiency. The company’s flagship model, DeepSeek-R1, has been noted for its impressive capabilities, rivaling leading models like those from OpenAI but at a fraction of the cost and computing power required for training.
DeepSeek’s breakthrough research demonstrated that powerful AI models could be built with fewer and less-powerful Nvidia chips, a finding with significant implications, especially in China where access to the highest-end chips has been restricted. This achievement has earned Liang Wenfeng admiration and recognition, not only in the tech industry but also in his native community in Guangdong.
Looking ahead, Liang Wenfeng has ambitious plans for DeepSeek. He aims to continue advancing foundational AI technologies and exploring the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI). His vision is to democratize AI technology, making it accessible and beneficial for both commercial and academic applications. Liang also plans to expand DeepSeek’s open-source initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation within the global AI community.
In addition to his work with DeepSeek, Liang is committed to nurturing the next generation of AI talent. He believes that education and mentorship are key to driving innovation and ensuring that AI technologies are developed ethically and responsibly.
Liang Wenfeng’s journey from a curious student in Guangdong to a leading figure in AI and finance is a testament to his vision, determination, and innovative spirit. As he continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, his impact on the industry and the world at large is sure to grow. With DeepSeek, Liang Wenfeng is not just following in the footsteps of tech giants but carving out his own path, making a lasting mark on the future of artificial intelligence.
As we watch DeepSeek’s evolution, it will be fascinating to see how Liang’s leadership and vision shape the future of AI. His commitment to innovation, accessibility, and ethical development positions him as a visionary leader in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.