Billionaire Profile
Liang Wenfeng
Global Rank
#251

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Liang Wenfeng

CEO, DeepSeek
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.5B
As of December 2025
Age
40
Source
AI, hedge fund
Industry
technology
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Liang Wenfeng, a 40-year-old Chinese entrepreneur and businessman, is the co-founder of the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer and the founder and CEO of the AI company DeepSeek. With a current estimated net worth of $11.5 billion, his wealth is primarily derived from AI and his hedge fund ventures. Liang's career began with a focus on engineering, earning degrees from Zhejiang University before transitioning to finance and later, artificial intelligence. His leadership style prioritizes creativity and innovation, which has led DeepSeek to develop AI models at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. DeepSeek has released the R1 model, which has shaken the tech world.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Liang Wenfeng was born in 1985 in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. His parents were primary school teachers. He excelled academically, particularly in mathematics and science. Liang attended Zhejiang University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in electronic information engineering in 2007 and a Master of Engineering in information and communication engineering in 2010. His master's thesis focused on target tracking algorithms using low-cost PTZ cameras.

Rise to Success

Liang's career trajectory moved from engineering to finance. During the 2008 financial crisis, he and his classmates began exploring quantitative trading using machine learning. In 2015, Liang co-founded High-Flyer Quantitative Investment Management, a hedge fund, with two classmates. By 2019, High-Flyer was managing over $1.4 billion in assets. Liang then transitioned into AI, founding DeepSeek in 2023.

Key Business Strategies

Liang's approach to business emphasizes innovation and collaboration. He has been known to prioritize creativity and intellectual curiosity over experience when hiring. DeepSeek has focused on fundamental AI research and open-source initiatives. This strategy allows DeepSeek to compete with larger firms by concentrating on core technology and creating a culture of innovation.

Philanthropy

Details on Liang Wenfeng's philanthropy are limited. However, his commitment to accessible and affordable AI solutions suggests a desire to contribute to the broader tech ecosystem.

Career Milestones

2008

Early AI Experiments

Began experimenting with AI-driven trading models during the financial crisis.

2010

Master's Degree

Completed his Master of Engineering in information and communication engineering at Zhejiang University.

2013

Founded Hangzhou Yakebi Investment Management Co Ltd

Founded his first investment firm.

2015

Co-founded High-Flyer

Co-founded High-Flyer Quantitative Investment Management, a hedge fund, with two classmates.

2016

Launched High-Flyer AI

Created an AI research arm dedicated to AI algorithms and their applications.

2019

High-Flyer Managed Over $1.4 Billion in Assets

High-Flyer became one of China's top quant firms.

2023

Founded DeepSeek

Founded DeepSeek, an AI company focused on artificial general intelligence.

2025

DeepSeek R1 Model Release

DeepSeek released its R1 AI model, which generated global attention and shook tech markets.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

N/A

Not publicly available

Undisclosed

Liang Wenfeng's specific philanthropic efforts are not widely documented.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“For years, Chinese companies have been accustomed to leveraging technological innovations developed elsewhere and monetising them through applications. But this isn't sustainable.”"

Leadership Principles

Prioritizing Creativity

Liang challenges traditional tech norms by prioritizing creativity, diverse perspectives, and intellectual curiosity in his hiring practices.

Focus on Innovation

DeepSeek has prioritized fundamental AI research and open-source initiatives. This strategy allows DeepSeek to compete with larger firms by concentrating on core technology and creating a culture of innovation.

Controversies & Challenges

Unknown

Regulatory Pressures on High-Flyer

High-Flyer experienced regulatory pressures from 2019 to 2023.