DeepSeek AI Chatbot App Scales Charts Overnight, Leaving Tech World Buzzing

DeepSeek: The AI Chatbot App That's Got Everyone Talking In a surprise move that has left the tech world abuzz, DeepSeek, an AI chatbot app developed by Chinese lab DeepSeek, has shot to the top of both Apple App Store and Google Play charts. This rapid ascent has sparked intense interest among Wall Street analysts and technologists, who are now questioning whether the United States can maintain its lead in the AI race. According to sources, DeepSeek's AI models were trained using compute-efficient techniques, a method that allows for faster and more efficient processing of complex data. This innovative approach has led some experts to wonder if other countries, like China, might be closing the gap with the U.S. in AI research and development. DeepSeek's origins date back to 2015 when Liang Wenfeng, an AI enthusiast and co-founder of High-Flyer Capital Management, a Chinese quantitative hedge fund that uses AI to inform its trading decisions, began dabbling in trading while a student at Zhejiang University. In 2019, Wenfeng launched High-Flyer as a hedge fund focused on developing and deploying AI algorithms. In 2023, High-Flyer started DeepSeek as a lab dedicated to researching AI tools separate from its financial business. With High-Flyer as one of its investors, the lab spun off into its own company, also called DeepSeek. From day one, DeepSeek built its own AI models using compute-efficient techniques. "We're thrilled that our research has resonated with users worldwide," said Liang Wenfeng in an interview with TechCrunch. "Our goal is to make AI more accessible and user-friendly, and we believe that our chatbot app is a significant step towards achieving this vision." The rapid success of DeepSeek has also sparked concerns about the potential implications for the demand for AI chips. According to analysts, if other countries can develop similar AI models using compute-efficient techniques, it could lead to a surge in demand for specialized hardware. "This development highlights the need for the U.S. to invest more in AI research and development," said Dr. Rachel Kim, an expert on AI at Stanford University. "We must stay ahead of the curve and continue to innovate if we want to maintain our leadership position." As DeepSeek continues to gain momentum, its developers are already working on new features and updates. In a recent statement, Liang Wenfeng hinted that the company is exploring ways to integrate its AI models with other applications, such as healthcare and finance. For now, one thing is clear: DeepSeek has become a major player in the world of AI research and development, and its impact will be felt for years to come. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*