DeepSeek (The Derby Mill Series ep 02)

The Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek used reinforcement learning and other creative techniques to develop an ultra-efficient chatbot that was less costly to make, uses fewer chips and requires much less electrical power than better-known alternatives, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude.

To discuss the implications, Intrepid Growth Partners gathered the Derby Mill team, including the pioneer of reinforcement learning himself, Richard Sutton, as well as Sendhil Mullainathan and Niamh Gavin, all of whom are Intrepid GP senior advisors. The team joins show host and Intrepid partner Mark Shulgan along with special guest Kevin Bryan, economist and co-founder of the AI start-up, All Day TA.

Questions our hosts will discuss:

• How can DeepSeek perform as well as OpenAI's most advanced technology for many tasks—but operate at a fraction of the cost?

• What potential economic effects could result from DeepSeek’s open-source code and technical specifications?

• What implications does DeepSeek have for investors seeking strategies to invest in the future of AI?

• We’ll also make some predictions about where things go from here.

LINKS

• Derby Mill show website: https://insights.intrepidgp.com/podcast.

• The DeepSeek academic paper that started it all. Plus: DeepSeek’s website.

• Find Kevin Bryan on X @afinetheorem and on Bluesky @afinetheorem.bsky.social. His website is kevinbryanecon.com.

• See Kevin Bryan’s start-up, All Day TA, which provides AI assistants for university professors.

• Rich Sutton’s home page. Follow Rich on X @RichardSSutton.

• Sendhil Mullainathan’s website. Follow Sendhil on X @m_sendhil.

• Be sure to catch every episode by subscribing on the following platforms:

  Substack // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts

NUGGETS short excerpt from the full episode

1. Sendhil Mullainathan on the big cognitive error many are making about DeepSeek

DISCLAIMER

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as marketing, solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities or investments. The opinions expressed in this video are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of Intrepid Growth Partners or its affiliates. Any discussion of specific companies, technologies, or industries is for illustrative purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to consult with their own financial, legal, and tax advisors before making any investment decisions.