No overtime, no managers! Here’s how DeepSeek is defying China’s 996 work culture and still thriving

DeepSeek, China’s AI startup that rose to become a $60 billion ChatGPT rival in just three years, isn’t a typical Chinese corporation that pushes its employees to work 12 hours, 6 days a week. Rather, according to its founder, Liang Wenfeng, the new-age tech giant achieved it all without late-night shifts, managers, or a single KPI.

In a conversation with Tencent Technology, Liang said his team generally doesn’t work overtime.