AI drives boom in one-person companies nationwide

Artificial intelligence is fueling the growth of one-person companies (OPCs) across China, allowing entrepreneurs to build lean businesses with minimal overhead. Wang Yao, founder of an OPC centered around her personal brand "Wiley," has grown her consulting and partnership business using AI tools to handle tasks like content creation and design. Her channel on Xiaohongshu boasts over 100,000 followers, demonstrating how digital influence and AI-driven efficiency can replace traditional business models. The trend reflects a shift away from large teams and venture capital, as AI reduces the cost of operations and lowers risk. Wang noted that AI eliminates the need for hiring writers, designers, or editors, keeping expenses low while allowing flexibility to experiment with new ideas. He Xia, a former chief engineer at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, highlighted how AI agents like OpenClaw are making entrepreneurship accessible even to those without technical backgrounds. Official data supports this boom: by June 2025, China had 16 million OPCs, comprising 27.4% of all enterprises, with 2.86 million new registrations in the first half of 2025—a 47% year-on-year increase. Analysts warn, however, that AI alone cannot ensure long-term success. Zhou Guangsu, a professor at Renmin University, emphasized that human judgment, market insight, and resilience remain critical for commercialization. Experts also stress the need for substance over symbolic trends. Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s Expert Committee, called for policies that lower transaction costs, improve the business environment, and support talent development. The rise of OPCs signals a new era of entrepreneurship, but sustainable growth depends on balancing AI’s capabilities with human-driven strategy.