DeepSeek Reaches $60 Billion Without KPIs or Overtime, Defying China’s 996 Tech Culture
Updated
Updated · Fortune · Aug 1
DeepSeek Reaches $60 Billion Without KPIs or Overtime, Defying China’s 996 Tech Culture
3 articles · Updated · Fortune · Aug 1
Summary
$60 billion DeepSeek says it built its AI rise without KPIs, overtime or rigid hierarchy, according to founder Liang Wenfeng in a staff discussion published by Tencent Technology.
173 million downloads since DeepSeek’s January 2025 public launch helped turn the ChatGPT rival into a breakout player in just three years.
Liang said research works better in a relaxed setting: employees get no monthly targets, spend only about half their day on assigned tasks, and use the rest freely.
That model sharply contrasts with China’s entrenched 996 culture—9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—which remains influential in tech despite being outlawed in 2021.
The approach also cuts against a wider AI-industry push for longer hours, as some founders and investors argue 72-hour weeks are needed to stay competitive.