DeepSeek, a company virtually unknown to the world, released an open-source AI model that turned out to be smaller, more efficient, and significantly cheaper to develop than those created by industry giants like NVIDIA. Picture it: a startup emerging “from nowhere” outshining companies with billion-dollar budgets. How did they do it? The answer is simple: ingenuity.

Ingenuity: more than just cost-saving

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not advocating for extreme frugality. This is about the ability to see opportunities where others see only limitations. Ingenuity means using resources creatively without necessarily owning them. It’s the skill of squeezing maximum value from what you have, even if what you have isn’t much.

As the authors of the article I’m reflecting on here aptly noted:

“Resourcefulness isn’t about the resources a company owns—it’s about creatively leveraging the world’s collective knowledge, experience, resources, and opportunities, even if you don’t possess them.”

Why ingenuity matters now more than ever

In today’s world, the competition for resources—whether money, talent, or tech—is fiercer than ever. Ingenuity enables us to:

• Survive with limited budgets: Critical for startups and small firms.
• Adapt faster to change: In a rapidly shifting landscape, quick problem-solving is key to success.
• Build innovative products: Constraints often spark creativity, leading to out-of-the-box solutions.
• Attract and retain talent: People want to work in companies that value initiative and creativity.

DeepSeek: Lessons in ingenuity

So what can we specifically learn from DeepSeek?

1. Priority on creativity: From day one, DeepSeek bet on innovation, not on throwing money at problems. They avoided trying to “catch up” and instead carved their own unique path.
2. Use of open-source code: They didn’t reinvent the wheel; they built on existing frameworks and adapted them to their needs.
3. Resource efficiency: DeepSeek delivered a powerful AI model at a fraction of competitors’ costs. Proof they know how to focus on what truly matters.

How to foster ingenuity in your company

Encourage creativity: Build a culture where employees aren’t afraid to share “crazy” ideas.

Seek unconventional solutions: Be bold about experimenting.

Leverage open resources: Tap into open-source tools, free software, and educational materials.

Develop problem-solving skills: Train your team to tackle challenges innovatively.

Learn from other: Study companies that have succeeded despite limited means.

Personal story: How we thrived at launch

When our digital studio launched, we had no huge budget or big name. We competed against agencies with far greater resources.

What did we do? We leaned into creativity and personalization. Instead of pushing cookie-cutter solutions, we designed custom strategies for every client. We used free tools and resources to save costs. And we learned—constantly—from others’ experiences.

In the end, we didn’t just survive; we succeeded. And I’m convinced that ingenuity was key to that journey.

Final thought: Ingenuity shapes the future

In a world of limited resources and growing competition, ingenuity is one of the most valuable skills we can develop. Learn to see opportunity where others see limits. Use resources creatively. Never fear experimenting. With these traits, you can succeed—even without deep pockets or a famous brand. DeepSeek’s story proves it.

---

We want to solve your business problem, if you are open to dialog, email us about your project

Our WhatsApp