Archive · 2 Aug 2026
DeepSeek Thrives Without Overtime or KPIs
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company that has become very valuable without making its workers stay late or giving them strict goals.
The founder, Liang Wenfeng, says that a relaxed workplace helps researchers do better work.
The company has no bosses or written rules, and employees decide how to spend half of their day.
This is very different from the common Chinese practice of working long hours, called 996.
DeepSeek’s success shows that long hours are not the only way to build a great AI company.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup valued at $60 billion, has grown without overtime, managers, or KPIs.
Founder Liang Wenfeng says a relaxed environment fuels research and focus, allowing the company to do fewer but more impactful projects.
The company operates with no rigid hierarchy, no written rulebook, and employees decide how to manage half of their workday.
DeepSeek’s model contrasts with China’s widespread 996 work culture, which many tech giants still champion.
The startup’s success challenges the notion that long hours are essential for AI innovation in China.
- Who
- Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek
- What
- DeepSeek’s unconventional work culture
- When
- recently
- Where
- China
- Why
- to foster research and focus while challenging the 996 work culture
- Company
- DeepSeek
- Valuation
- $60 billion
- Founder
- Liang Wenfeng
- Work model
- No overtime, no KPIs
- Culture
- No hierarchy, relaxed environment