As DeepSeek took over the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape overnight, beating OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the process, it’s only fair to wonder about Liang Wenfeng’s net worth—the company’s founder and CEO. So, join us as we explore his finances and take a sneak peek into his personal life and controversies.
Who is Liang Wenfeng?
Liang Wenfeng is a Chinese entrepreneur and innovator born in 1985 in Guangdong, China. He is best known as the co-founder of the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer and the founder and CEO of DeepSeek, an AI company.
Liang began his career in finance and technology while at Zhejiang University, where he studied Electronic Information Engineering and later Information and Communication Engineering. His master’s thesis focused on a target-tracking algorithm using low-cost PTZ cameras.
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In 2013, he co-founded Hangzhou Yakebi Investment Management Co. Ltd., which later evolved into Zhejiang Jiuzhang Asset Management Co. Ltd. In 2016, he co-founded High-Flyer Quantitative Investment Management Partnership, which uses mathematics and AI algorithms for investment decisions.
Liang’s work has significantly influenced the fields of quantitative finance and AI, making him a transformative figure in China’s tech industry.
Liang Wenfeng’s net worth?
According to Forbes, Liang holds around 84% of DeepSeek and at least 76% of High-Flyer. Analysts estimate DeepSeek’s valuation to be at least $1 billion, while High-Flyer manages around $8 billion in assets, with Liang’s stake valued at approximately $180 million.
Some sources propose even higher valuations for DeepSeek. For instance, Chanakya Ramdev, founder of Sweat Free Telecom, suggests that DeepSeek could be worth up to $150 billion, half the valuation of industry leader OpenAI.
If this optimistic assessment holds true, Liang’s net worth could soar to approximately $126 billion, potentially positioning him among the wealthiest individuals globally, just behind the likes of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
Liang Wenfeng’s assets and investments
Liang’s financial portfolio appears diverse, encompassing significant stakes in both DeepSeek and High-Flyer Capital Management. His 84% ownership of DeepSeek underscores his commitment to advancing AI technologies.
In addition to his role at DeepSeek, Liang maintains a substantial interest in High-Flyer Capital Management. The hedge fund’s success is largely attributed to its innovative use of AI in trading strategies, setting it apart in the competitive financial sector.
Liang’s strategic foresight led him to invest heavily in AI infrastructure, including the acquisition of 10,000 Nvidia A100 chips in 2021, anticipating the growing importance of AI in financial markets.
Furthermore, he has a stake in Zhejiang Jiuzhang Asset Management. Evolving from Hangzhou Huanfang Technology, co-founded by Liang, the company manages assets worth over $13.7 billion.
Private life and controversies
Liang Wenfeng maintains a low public profile, often described as humble and reserved. He is known for his hands-on leadership style, frequently collaborating directly with his team to refine AI algorithms and develop new technologies.
Despite his low profile, Liang’s ventures have not been without controversy. The rapid rise of DeepSeek has raised concerns among global competitors and regulators.
The company’s disruptive impact on the AI industry has led to significant market fluctuations, including a notable decline in Nvidia‘s (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock value. In January 2025, Nvidia’s shares plummeted nearly 17%, erasing approximately $600 billion in market value, a downturn partially attributed to DeepSeek’s emergence as a formidable competitor.
Additionally, DeepSeek’s operations have faced scrutiny regarding data security and user privacy. In January 2025, a report highlighted that a DeepSeek database had been left exposed, revealing over a million lines of sensitive information. This incident prompted discussions about the company’s data protection measures and operational transparency.
The bottom line
Liang Wenfeng’s estimated net worth of $1 billion is a remarkable achievement, considering his journey from a mathematics enthusiast in Guangdong to a billionaire tech entrepreneur. While he’s not yet among the world’s wealthiest billionaires, his trajectory suggests he could get there, given DeepSeek’s growing influence in the tech and AI industry.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
Featured image via Shutterstock
