DeepSeek has made quite an impact in the financial markets. DeepSeek, developed by a Hangzhou-based research lab, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops open-source large language models (LLM). It is owned and solely funded by Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, whose co-founder, Liang Wenfeng, established the company in 2023 and serving as its CEO.
DeepSeek released its first free chatbot app, based on the DeepSeek-R1 model, for Apple IOS and Android on 10 January 2025. Therefore, by 27 January, DeepSeek-R1 had surpassed ChatGPT as the most-downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the United States.
DeepSeek AI chatbot is developed entirely by Chinese software engineers, whereas AI models established in Silicon Valley are created by people of various nationalities, including H-1B visa holders from different countries working in the US. DeepSeek AI models can be seen as a significant step toward developing indigenous high-end technologies by Asian countries, helping to retain talent and reduce brain drain from nations like India and China.
DeepSeek differentiates itself by offering more precise, context-based search results, which may include in-depth analyses, scholarly articles, or specific knowledge that other search engines may overlook. It tends to focus on providing a deeper understanding of topics rather than just surface-level answers.
ChatGPT (like the model you’re interacting with now) is more of a conversational AI assistant. It excels in natural language processing and can carry on detailed, context-aware conversations across a wide variety of topics. ChatGPT is also versatile -it can generate creative writing, explain technical concepts, assist with coding, and more. Its primary strength lies in providing explanations, generating content, or responding conversationally.
COMPARISON – DeepSeek Vs. ChatGPT
Both China’s DeepSeek and the U.S. based ChatGPT offer AI-driven solutions, but their commercial strategies, target audiences, and applications differ significantly.
1. DeepSeek SPECIALIZED ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS:
DeepSeek focuses on industry-specific AI solutions tailored for enterprises. Its key features include:
- Customized Models: Sector-specific AI tools for finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and more.
- Advanced Data Analytics: Empowers businesses with actionable insights for decision-making.
- Localized Expertise: Dominates the Chinese market by aligning with regional regulations and business practices.
COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES:
1. High security and compliance standards for enterprises.
2. Optimized for China’s regulatory environment.
LIMITATIONS:
– Limited global market penetration.
2. ChatGPT: VERSATILITY FOR ALL USERS
ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, targets a broader audience – from individual users to enterprises – with its general-purpose language model. Its key strengths include:
1. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Excels in conversation, content generation, translation, and more.
2. Global Reach: Available in 150+ countries with multilingual support.
3. Freemium Model: Free access for basic use, scalable subscriptions for advanced features (e.g., GPT-4).
COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES:
– Easy integration via APIs for developers and businesses.
– Continuous innovation (e.g., GPT-4 upgrades).
LIMITATIONS:
– Privacy concerns due to data usage policies.
3. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Criteria | DeepSeek | ChatGPT
—————————-|—————————————|———————————
Target Market | China-centric enterprises | Global (individuals to enterprises)
Pricing Strategy | Customized, premium pricing | Freemium, scalable subscriptions
Technology | Industry-specific AI models | General-purpose NLP (e.g., GPT-4)
Accessibility | Tailored for Chinese regulations | Multilingual, user-friendly interface
4. FUTURE PROSPECTS
DeepSeek: Likely to grow within China, supported by national AI policies like “Made in China 2025.”
ChatGPT: Positioned for global dominance, backed by Microsoft’s investments and OpenAI’s rapid innovation.
Therefore, DeepSeek is ideal for enterprises operating in China that require specialized, compliant solutions. On the other hand, ChatGPT has broader global appeal with its flexibility and scalability, making it more suitable for enterprises that require a versatile AI model across different regions and markets.
A video is also circulating on social media where US President Donald Trump is seen speaking about DeepSeek. He said, “DeepSeek should be a wake up call.”
NOTE: The data given above all collected from DeepSeek and ChatGPT itself.