DeepSeek thrives without overtime, KPIs or rigid hierarchy, founder says

DeepSeek, valued at $60 billion after three years and 173 million app downloads since its 2025 launch, operates without overtime, KPIs or a conventional organizational chart, according to founder Liang Wenfeng. During a nearly four-hour session with staff captured by Tencent Technology, Liang said research flourishes when pressure is low and the company focuses on a narrow set of goals. Workers receive direction for only half of their workday and are free to spend the remaining time as they wish, with no monthly targets or written vision.

This laissez-faire model stands out in China, where the 996 schedule—nine to nine, six days a week—remains a badge of honor among firms like Alibaba, Tencent and JD.com. Critics argue the grueling pace fuels competition, while DeepSeek’s success suggests an alternative path in the AI race.