Lee Kai-fu, founder of Chinese AI startup 01.AI, has announced a shift towards using open-source models from DeepSeek amid rising demand for AI solutions in China.

He describes this surge as the country’s “ChatGPT moment.” The growing popularity of DeepSeek has led 01.AI to integrate its models, targeting corporate clients in finance, gaming, and legal sectors.

Founded in mid-2023, 01.AI initially focused on large language models (LLMs) but began transitioning into a solutions provider last year.

With experience in LLM development, the company can customize DeepSeek’s models for specific business needs, setting it apart from competitors relying on in-house systems.

DeepSeek’s open-source model is gaining traction among Chinese hardware and software vendors. Many are aligning their services with the platform, creating a strong growth opportunity for 01.AI in the competitive AI market.