DeepSeek's Triumph: A Source of Pride and Glee for the Chinese

As a long-time observer of the global tech landscape, I've witnessed many ups and downs, but none have been as exhilarating as the recent rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. The company's rapid ascent has been a source of immense pride and joy for the Chinese, who have been eagerly following its progress and celebrating its achievements. In this article, I'll delve into the reasons behind DeepSeek's global success and explore how its open-source approach has contributed to its adoption and success, both in China and internationally.



Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: the Chinese government's support and investment in AI research have been instrumental in DeepSeek's global success. In 2023, the Chinese government allocated a whopping $150 billion to AI research and development, creating a favorable environment for AI startups like DeepSeek to thrive. This investment has not only provided the necessary resources but also fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration within the AI community.

Moreover, the government's focus on AI as a strategic industry has led to increased investment in AI infrastructure, including the development of supercomputers and high-performance computing facilities. These investments have been crucial for DeepSeek's AI model development, enabling the company to push the boundaries of what's possible in the field of artificial intelligence.

Now, let's discuss the open-source nature of DeepSeek's models and how it has influenced its adoption and success. The open-source approach allows developers worldwide to contribute, experiment, and build on DeepSeek's platform, fostering a more innovative ecosystem. This inclusivity has led to rapid development and collaboration within the AI field, as seen in the surge of interest and adoption of DeepSeek's models across various industries and regions.

The open-source ethos of DeepSeek has also led to its rapid rise in the Apple App Store, becoming the top-rated free application in the U.S. and China, surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT. This achievement is a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the potential for AI models to reach a broader audience when made accessible to all.

Another significant aspect of DeepSeek's success is its ability to attract top talent and investment. Open-source projects often draw in the best and brightest minds, and DeepSeek is no exception. The company has been able to poach AI researchers from top universities and compete with established tech companies for talent, further solidifying its position as a leader in the AI field.

The open-source nature of DeepSeek's models has also drawn investment from venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz, which sees the potential in the company's innovative approach to AI development. This investment has not only provided the necessary capital for DeepSeek to grow but also validated the company's approach to AI development and its potential for future success.

Lastly, the open-source nature of DeepSeek's models has allowed users to bypass US export restrictions on advanced chips by hosting the models locally or orchestrating them via GPUs in the U.S. This aspect has contributed to DeepSeek's international success, as it enables users to leverage the model's capabilities without the constraints imposed by US export controls.

In conclusion, DeepSeek's global success has been a source of pride and glee for the Chinese, who have been eagerly following its progress and celebrating its achievements. The company's success can be attributed to the Chinese government's support and investment in AI research, as well as the open-source nature of its models, which has fostered collaboration, attracted top talent, and drawn investment from venture capital firms. As DeepSeek continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the field of artificial intelligence, it is clear that the future of AI is bright, and the Chinese are at the forefront of this exciting new era.