In February 2016, AI enthusiast Liang Wenfeng co-founded High-Flyer, a hedge fund focusing on AI-driven trading. Initially using CPU-based linear models, the firm adopted GPU-powered deep learning models by October 2016, with AI handling most trading by 2017 ^[1]. By 2021, High-Flyer exclusively used AI for trading, primarily utilizing Nvidia GPUs.

In 2021, Liang began stockpiling 10,000 Nvidia A100 GPUs for an AI project. In April 2023, he launched an AGI research lab, which became DeepSeek after incorporation on July 17, 2023, with High-Flyer as the investor. DeepSeek's technology was initially funded by Liang and faced resistance from venture capital due to the long-term nature of the project.

After launching DeepSeek-V2 in May 2024, offering strong performance at a low price, the company triggered a price war among China's AI giants, earning the nickname "Pinduoduo of AI." Despite low prices, DeepSeek remained profitable, while its competitors were not. DeepSeek's focus on research, rather than commercialization, helped it avoid strict regulatory controls in China ^[2].

The company prioritizes technical skills over experience in hiring, often recruiting recent graduates and developers with diverse backgrounds, including those without computer science degrees, to expand its AI capabilities.

Deepseek was founded in 2023 by a group of visionary technologists and data scientists who recognized the transformative potential of AI and big data ^[3]. Over the years, the company has grown rapidly, expanding its team of experts and its portfolio of products and services. Deepseek's journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the launch of its flagship AI platform, strategic partnerships with leading industry players, and the successful deployment of its solutions across various sectors.

Date	Event
July 17, 2023	DeepSeek was founded on July 17, 2023, by the well-known quantitative asset management giant, Huanshuang Quantitative. DeepSeek is an innovative technology company focused on developing advanced large language models (LLM) and related technologies. As the only company outside of big tech with a reserve of 10,000 A100 GPUs, Huanshuang Quantitative provided strong hardware support for DeepSeek's research and development.
May 7, 2024	DeepSeek released DeepSeek V2 based on the MoE architecture. Two days later, the First Financial Technology Center conducted a deep analysis of DeepSeek's technology report and model. After a rigorous evaluation, the team concluded that DeepSeek V2 met the needs of financial sector models in terms of architecture and performance, and promptly decided to migrate the base model to DeepSeek V2, initiating training and application R&D.
September 5, 2024	DeepSeek officially updated its API documentation, announcing the merger of the DeepSeek Coder V2 and DeepSeek V2 Chat models, launching the new DeepSeek V2.5 model. The company stated that in order to maintain backward compatibility, users can access the new model through deepseek-coder or deepseek-chat.
December 2024	A meeting summary document about DeepSeek’s release history and optimization direction circulated in the industry. DeepSeek responded by stating that no employees were authorized to participate in any investor exchange meetings, and that the so-called “DeepSeek experts” were not company personnel and the shared information was false. The company emphasized that internal regulations prohibit employees from accepting external interviews or participating in investor exchange meetings. Publicly disclosed information is the official communication.
January 27, 2025	DeepSeek's app topped the free app download chart on the US Apple App Store, surpassing ChatGPT. It also became number one in the free app rankings in the Chinese App Store [4]. According to reports, DeepSeek has fewer than 100 employees, with approximately 70 engineers focused on operators, inference frameworks, multimodal research, and deep learning, primarily located in Beijing. The remaining 30 employees are in the Hangzhou headquarters, mainly in frontend, product, and business roles.
January 28, 2025	DeepSeek announced on its service status page that its online services had been subject to large-scale malicious attacks. To maintain service, they temporarily restricted registration methods outside of +86 mobile numbers, but existing users could still log in normally.
January 2025	DeepSeek released the Janus-Pro multimodal model on GitHub, entering the text-to-image domain.
January 31, 2025	NVIDIA announced that the DeepSeek-R1 model was integrated into NVIDIA NIM. At the same time, Amazon and Microsoft also integrated DeepSeek-R1. NVIDIA called DeepSeek-R1 the most advanced large language model.
February 2025	DeepSeek-R1 was deployed on Tencent Cloud’s "HAI" platform, allowing developers to integrate and call the model in just three minutes.

Deepseek is a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, and it offers a range of innovative products designed to address complex challenges across various industries.

3.1. Deepseek AI Platform

Description: A comprehensive AI platform that integrates machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and data analytics capabilities.

Features:

• Advanced data processing and analysis tools.
• Customizable AI models for specific business needs.
• Real-time insights and predictive analytics.

Applications: Used across industries for decision-making, automation, and optimization.

3.2. Predictive Analytics Solutions

Description: AI-driven tools that analyze historical and real-time data to forecast trends, behaviors, and outcomes.

Features:

• High-accuracy predictive models.
• Scenario analysis and risk assessment.
• Integration with existing business systems.

Applications: Financial forecasting, supply chain optimization, marketing strategy, and risk management.

3.3. AI-Driven Customer Insights

Description: Solutions that analyze customer data to provide actionable insights into behavior, preferences, and trends.

Features:

• Sentiment analysis and customer segmentation.
• Personalized recommendations and engagement strategies.
• Real-time feedback analysis.

Applications: Retail, e-commerce, and customer service industries.

3.4. Automation and Robotics

Description: AI-powered tools and robotic systems designed to automate repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency.

Features:

• Process automation for manufacturing and logistics.
• Intelligent robotic systems for complex tasks.
• Integration with IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

Applications: Manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain management.

3.5. AI for Healthcare

Description: AI solutions tailored for the healthcare industry to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Features:

• Medical image analysis and diagnostics.
• Personalized treatment recommendations.
• Healthcare data management and analytics.

Applications: Hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.

3.6. Natural Language Processing (NLP) Tools

Description: AI tools that enable machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

Features:

• Text analysis and sentiment detection.
• Chatbots and virtual assistants.
• Language translation and summarization.

Applications: Customer support, content creation, and multilingual communication.

3.7. AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solutions

Description: Tools that use AI to detect and prevent cyber threats in real time.

Features:

• Threat detection and anomaly identification.
• Automated response to security incidents.
• Continuous monitoring and risk assessment.

Applications: IT security, financial institutions, and government agencies.

3.8. AI for Smart Cities and IoT

Description: Solutions that leverage AI to optimize urban infrastructure and IoT networks.

Features:

• Traffic management and optimization.
• Energy consumption monitoring and reduction.
• Public safety and emergency response systems.

Applications: Urban planning, transportation, and energy management.

3.9. AI Research and Development Tools

Description: Platforms and frameworks designed to support AI research and development.

Features:

• Open-source AI libraries and tools.
• Collaborative environments for AI researchers.
• Pre-trained models and datasets.

Applications: Academic research, AI startups, and innovation labs.

3.10. AI for Financial Services

Description: AI solutions tailored for the finance industry, including fraud detection, investment analysis, and customer service.

Features:

• Fraud detection and prevention systems.
• Algorithmic trading and portfolio management.
• Personalized financial advice and chatbots.

Applications: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies.

Deepseek’s impact extends far beyond the tech industry. Through its AI-powered products, the company has helped democratize access to information, enabling small businesses and individuals to make data-driven decisions that were previously only available to large corporations with extensive resources.

4.1. Advancing AI Ethics

Deepseek has been a strong advocate for ethical AI development, actively contributing to research and discussions around AI bias, transparency, and fairness. The company is committed to ensuring that its technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of society.

4.2. Educational Outreach

The company invests heavily in education and research. Deepseek funds scholarships, supports AI research initiatives, and partners with universities to foster the next generation of AI researchers and practitioners.

4.3. Social Impact

In terms of social impact, Deepseek has worked on several projects aimed at improving societal well-being, including AI solutions for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

4.4. Thought Leadership

Through its research papers, participation in AI conferences, and partnerships with leading tech companies, Deepseek has become a thought leader in the AI and data analytics space, influencing how businesses, governments, and other sectors adopt and deploy AI technologies.

Deepseek's assessments and reactions reflect its dual role as a technological innovator and a responsible corporate citizen. While the company is celebrated for its groundbreaking AI solutions and market impact, it also faces challenges related to ethics, privacy, and societal concerns. By addressing these issues proactively, Deepseek can continue to build trust, drive innovation, and maintain its leadership in the AI industry.

5.1. Positive Assessments and Reactions

5.1.1. Innovation and Technological Leadership

Assessment: Deepseek is widely recognized for its cutting-edge AI technologies and innovative solutions, such as its AI platform, predictive analytics tools, and healthcare applications.

Reactions:

• Industry experts praise Deepseek for pushing the boundaries of AI research and development.
• Customers appreciate the company's ability to deliver tailored solutions that address specific business challenges.

5.1.2. Market Impact and Growth

Assessment: Deepseek has successfully expanded its market presence across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

Reactions:

• Investors view Deepseek as a high-growth company with strong potential for future returns.
• Competitors acknowledge Deepseek as a formidable player in the AI space, driving competition and innovation.

5.1.3. Customer Success Stories

Assessment: Deepseek's products have demonstrated tangible benefits for its clients, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced decision-making.

Reactions:

• Clients share positive testimonials and case studies highlighting the impact of Deepseek's solutions.
• Industry analysts cite Deepseek as a benchmark for successful AI implementation.

5.1.4. Commitment to Ethical AI

Assessment: Deepseek has made efforts to prioritize ethical AI practices, including transparency, fairness, and data privacy.

Reactions:

• Advocacy groups and policymakers commend Deepseek for its responsible approach to AI development.
• Customers and partners trust Deepseek's technologies due to its focus on ethical considerations.

5.2. Negative Assessments and Reactions

5.2.1. Concerns About Bias and Fairness

Assessment: Despite its efforts, Deepseek's AI systems may face criticism for potential biases in data or algorithms, leading to unfair outcomes.

Reactions:

• Advocacy groups and researchers call for greater transparency and accountability in Deepseek's AI models.
• Some customers express concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in sensitive areas like hiring or law enforcement.

5.2.2. Job Displacement and Economic Impact

Assessment: Deepseek's automation solutions could lead to job displacement in certain industries, raising concerns about economic inequality.

Reactions:

• Labor unions and workers' rights organizations criticize Deepseek for contributing to job losses.
• Policymakers urge Deepseek to invest in reskilling programs to mitigate the impact on the workforce.

5.2.3. Data Privacy and Security Risks

Assessment: As a company handling large amounts of data, Deepseek faces scrutiny over its data privacy and security practices.

Reactions:

• Privacy advocates raise concerns about how Deepseek collects, stores, and uses personal data.
• Customers demand stronger assurances about data protection and compliance with regulations like GDPR.

5.2.4. Environmental Impact

Assessment: The energy-intensive nature of AI model training could lead to criticism of Deepseek's environmental footprint.

Reactions:

• Environmental groups call for Deepseek to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy for data centers.
• Investors and stakeholders pressure the company to disclose its carbon emissions and mitigation strategies.

5.3. Mixed Assessments and Reactions

5.3.1. Regulatory Challenges

Assessment: As governments introduce stricter AI regulations, Deepseek may face challenges in ensuring compliance across different regions.

Reactions:

• Some industry players view Deepseek as a leader in navigating regulatory complexities.
• Others criticize the company for lobbying against stricter regulations that could limit its growth.

5.3.2. Public Perception and Trust

Assessment: While Deepseek is admired for its technological advancements, public trust in AI remains a concern.

Reactions:

• Some consumers and businesses embrace Deepseek's technologies for their efficiency and innovation.
• Others remain skeptical, fearing misuse or unintended consequences of AI systems.

5.3.3. Competitive Landscape

Assessment: Deepseek's rapid growth and market dominance could lead to concerns about reduced competition in the AI industry.

Reactions:

• Competitors accuse Deepseek of anti-competitive practices, such as acquiring startups to eliminate competition.
• Regulators may investigate Deepseek's market practices to ensure a level playing field.

Deepseek stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, leveraging its expertise in artificial intelligence and big data to create innovative solutions that drive progress and improve lives. With a strong foundation in research and development, a diverse portfolio of products, and a commitment to ethical practices, Deepseek is poised to continue leading the way in the evolution of AI technologies.