The global startup landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as artificial intelligence enables entrepreneurs to build and scale businesses without traditional teams. From software development and customer support to marketing and operations, AI tools are allowing solo founders to run companies that generate millions in revenue, giving rise to a new generation of “one-person companies.”

A recent analysis by payment technology company Stripe suggests that the trend has accelerated sharply between 2023 and 2025. In the United States, the number of one-person businesses generating annual revenue of up to $10 million (around ₹95 crore) has doubled in just two years, while companies exceeding that revenue threshold have tripled.

AI Becoming a ‘Built-In Business Partner’

According to Ernie Tedeschi, artificial intelligence is increasingly functioning as an entrepreneur’s “built-in business partner,” handling tasks that previously required dedicated teams. AI-powered coding assistants, content generation platforms, customer service chatbots and automation tools have significantly reduced the cost and complexity of launching and managing a business.

While these technologies are helping founders grow faster, they are also reducing the need for large workforces in many technology-driven ventures.

Solo Founders Scaling Businesses Rapidly

Several entrepreneurs are already demonstrating how AI is transforming business creation.

US-based entrepreneur Ben Broca launched an AI tools company for entrepreneurs in December 2025. Operating without a single employee, he reportedly acquired more than 10,000 customers within eight months. The company is projected to generate around ₹95 crore in revenue this year and has already secured approximately ₹287 crore in investor funding.

Similarly, entrepreneur Claire Wo developed an affordable documentation application priced at just $1 per month. After running the venture alone for the first nine months, she hired only one engineer. The platform now serves nearly 100,000 users and is expected to earn close to ₹10 crore in profit this year.

Another solo entrepreneur, Troy Johnston, runs a credit card benefits application independently from Orlando, reportedly earning around $3,000 (approximately ₹2.9 lakh) in monthly profits.

Business Formation Rising, Hiring Slowing

The AI-driven shift is also reflected in broader business trends.

According to Bank of America Institute> economist Taylor Bowley, applications to start businesses in the information technology sector increased by around 45% within a year, marking the fastest growth among all industries. However, the proportion of founders planning to hire employees has declined significantly during the same period.

Research by **Harvard Business School> professor Rembrand Koning further found that AI-focused startups employ around 25% fewer people on average compared to similar companies without heavy AI integration.

Opportunities Come With New Risks

Despite the rapid growth, entrepreneurs acknowledge that AI has also intensified competition.

Troy Johnston noted that while AI provides powerful business capabilities, it also makes it easier for competitors to replicate successful products and ideas. The technology has significantly lowered entry barriers, allowing new businesses to emerge much faster than before.

Not every solo venture succeeds, however. Sameer Ahmed, after leaving a two-decade-long career to launch a solo coaching and consulting business, was forced to shut it down within months, highlighting the challenges of sustaining independent ventures despite AI support.

A New Era of Entrepreneurship

Industry observers believe AI is fundamentally changing the economics of starting a business. Entrepreneurs who once needed developers, marketers, designers and customer support teams can now rely on AI-powered platforms to perform many of those functions.

While the rise of one-person companies promises greater innovation, efficiency and lower startup costs, economists also caution that the trend could reshape employment patterns as businesses increasingly prioritize automation over workforce expansion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the opening of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and highlighted India's growing innovation ecosystem, the achievements of young entrepreneurs, and the country's rapid progress in science and technology. During his remarks, the Prime Minister also made a light-hearted political comment that drew smiles from leaders standing alongside him, becoming one of the talking points of the day.

While speaking about India's expanding space sector, PM Modi referred to the successful achievements of private aerospace startup Skyroot Aerospace. He praised the company's contribution to India's space ambitions and emphasized how young innovators are helping the nation achieve global recognition in advanced technology.

The Prime Minister said that India's youth are creating history through innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific excellence. Referring to the team behind Skyroot Aerospace, he noted that the average age of its members is around 28 years, calling it an inspiring example of India's emerging talent pool.

During this part of his address, PM Modi humorously remarked that he was speaking about a team of 28-year-old youngsters and "not about a 56-year-old youth." The comment immediately drew laughter from Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was standing behind the Prime Minister during the media briefing. Although no individual was named, the remark attracted considerable political attention as observers linked it to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The exchange quickly became a major discussion point as political circles recalled the long-running verbal exchanges between Prime Minister Modi and Rahul Gandhi over the years. The latest remark was widely viewed as another chapter in the political rivalry that has frequently featured sharp yet indirect comments from both sides.

Prime Minister Modi's primary focus during the briefing, however, remained on India's achievements and the importance of maintaining a productive Parliament. He urged all Members of Parliament to participate in meaningful debates supported by facts and constructive discussions. According to the Prime Minister, Parliament functions best when every representative contributes positively toward nation-building and public welfare.

Highlighting India's technological progress, PM Modi referred to the country's growing private space industry. Over the past few years, India has opened its space sector to private participation, allowing startups and technology companies to contribute alongside national institutions. This policy shift has encouraged innovation, investment, and research in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and aerospace engineering.

Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as one of the prominent examples of India's new-generation space startups. The Prime Minister praised such companies for demonstrating that Indian talent is capable of competing globally in cutting-edge sectors. He noted that the achievements of young entrepreneurs inspire confidence in India's future and strengthen the country's position in the global innovation landscape.

PM Modi also underlined that India's youth are playing an increasingly important role across multiple sectors, including digital technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, renewable energy, and scientific research. He said that the government's continued emphasis on innovation, startup development, and skill enhancement is creating opportunities for talented young professionals throughout the country.

The media interaction took place shortly before Parliament began its Monsoon Session, which is expected to feature discussions on several important legislative proposals and national issues. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the session would remain productive and focused on meaningful policymaking rather than prolonged disruptions.

Political observers noted that while the humorous comment attracted media attention, the broader message of the Prime Minister's address centered on India's economic growth, technological advancement, and youth-driven development. Government leaders have consistently highlighted innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars of India's long-term growth strategy.

The government's support for startups has led to rapid growth in India's entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade. Several Indian startups have gained international recognition across sectors including fintech, healthcare, education, clean energy, and space technology. The Prime Minister said such achievements reflect the confidence, creativity, and determination of India's younger generation.

As Parliament proceeds with the Monsoon Session, both the government and opposition are expected to engage in discussions on legislative business and national priorities. The government has reiterated its commitment to development-oriented governance, institutional reforms, and policies aimed at strengthening India's economy and global competitiveness.

The Prime Minister concluded his interaction by expressing confidence that India's youth would continue driving innovation and shaping the country's future. He encouraged young entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, and professionals to keep pursuing excellence and contribute to India's journey toward becoming a leading global economic and technological power.

The minister said greater collaboration between the government and technology companies would be essential to accelerate innovation-led and technology-driven economic growth. His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from Google, where discussions focused on expanding the use of AI and digital solutions across different sectors of the economy.

The Google delegation was led by Vidya Srinivasan, Vice President (Ads and Commerce), and Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager of Google India. The meeting explored opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and market access for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises.

According to Goyal, AI-powered tools have the potential to help smaller businesses overcome operational challenges and participate more effectively in the digital economy. As India continues its push towards digital transformation, policymakers are increasingly viewing technology adoption as a key driver of growth for enterprises that form the backbone of the country's economy.

MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, exports and manufacturing output. Industry experts have often pointed out that wider adoption of digital tools can help these enterprises improve efficiency, access new customers and compete in both domestic and international markets.

During the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on enabling startups, exporters and small businesses to take advantage of AI-driven solutions. The participants also examined ways to encourage innovation, improve digital capabilities and create an environment where businesses can adopt advanced technologies more easily.

Goyal said the meeting covered several important areas, including faster adoption of AI, strengthening digital skilling initiatives, expanding market access and promoting technology-led innovation. He later shared details of the interaction on social media platform X, stating that stronger cooperation between the government and technology companies could help build a robust digital ecosystem for Indian enterprises.

The focus on AI comes at a time when countries around the world are investing heavily in emerging technologies to boost productivity and economic competitiveness. India has also been working to expand its digital infrastructure and encourage businesses to integrate technology into their operations.

Earlier in the day, Goyal also spoke about the impact of India's recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying they are helping accelerate manufacturing growth and innovation across sectors. According to the minister, these agreements are creating new opportunities for Indian businesses while enabling young professionals to compete more effectively in global markets.

His comments reflect the government's broader strategy of combining trade expansion with technological advancement to strengthen India's position in the global economy.

Separately, while virtually addressing the launch of the online bilingual Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur, Goyal urged students to focus on practical skills and technology-oriented learning.

He encouraged young learners to embrace emerging technologies and develop industry-relevant capabilities that can help them succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The minister noted that technology-driven education and continuous skill development would be critical for preparing India's workforce for future economic opportunities.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital adoption, innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars of India's growth strategy. With AI increasingly influencing sectors ranging from commerce and manufacturing to education and services, policymakers are seeking greater collaboration between industry, academia and technology companies to ensure that businesses and workers can benefit from the next wave of digital transformation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting in Nice on Sunday, where they launched the “Bharat Innovates 2026” programme and discussed deeper cooperation in defence, technology and energy, officials said. The two leaders also visited Villa Kérylos, a historic seaside villa near Nice, underscoring the cultural and strategic warmth between New Delhi and Paris.

Quick summit in Nice

Modi arrived in Nice on the evening of June 13 for a six-day state visit to France and Slovakia. The bilateral meeting with Macron took place on Sunday morning at a government venue in Nice, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanying the Prime Minister, government sources said. Macron greeted Modi with a warm hug before the talks, and later shared a selfie from their visit on social media.

Agenda and agreements

According to officials, the leaders focused on boosting cooperation across defence, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space technology, health-tech and investment. They jointly launched Bharat Innovates 2026 — a platform intended to connect Indian startups, research institutions and universities with French and other global investors and partners. The programme will run from June 14–16 at the Palais des Expositions in Nice and features over 100 Indian startups alongside venture capital funds from Europe.

“Bharat Innovates aims to turn India’s talent into global partnerships,” a source familiar with the matter said, describing the event as an effort to channel European capital and expertise into India’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.

Ground-level scenes

A cultural programme and receptions for members of the Indian diaspora followed the formal events at Modi’s hotel in Nice. Local reports from Nice said a visible Indian community turnout greeted the Prime Minister, with delegations of women community leaders meeting him during the day. Late in the afternoon, Macron escorted Modi to Villa Kérylos, one of the Mediterranean coast’s well-known historic houses.

Technology and AI cooperation

Macron reiterated France’s support for open, multilingual and collaborative AI models, officials said. The two sides discussed a framework for research collaboration in quantum computing, biotechnology and AI safety standards. France and India also signalled interest in joint projects on semiconductors and critical technologies, reflecting shared concerns over supply chains and technological sovereignty.

Defence and energy ties

Defence cooperation — a longstanding pillar of India-France relations — was another focus. France remains one of India’s top suppliers of defence equipment, having provided platforms such as Mirage fighters and Scorpene submarines. Officials suggested discussions covered technology transfers and joint development projects. Macron highlighted joint work through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and projects including civil nuclear cooperation, pointing to energy and climate goals as an area of growing convergence.

Regional security and Hormuz

Sources said the question of security in the Strait of Hormuz, amid tensions in the Gulf, featured in talks. New Delhi has expressed preference for multilateral security mechanisms under United Nations frameworks rather than single-country initiatives. Officials indicated that India could consider participation in a coalition aligned with France and Britain if arrangements adhere to international law and multilateral norms.

Looking ahead: G7 and bilateral meetings

Modi’s short French leg precedes his participation in the G7 Summit at Evian on June 17, where he is scheduled to meet other leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, officials confirmed. The Nice meetings set a tone for Modi’s engagement in Evian, where geopolitical crises, energy security and AI will dominate the agenda.

Context and significance

This visit is Modi’s seventh to France since becoming Prime Minister and comes at a time when New Delhi is pitching itself as a solutions provider rather than a consumer of technology. In his address in Nice, Modi emphasised India’s vast startup base — more than 200,000 companies by his count — and framed Bharat Innovates as a bridge between Indian innovators and global capital. Macron, for his part, praised India’s growing role in global research and said many countries now want to partner with India on innovation.

Next steps

Bharat Innovates will continue through mid-June in Nice, with further sessions planned in Evian and Paris. New announcements on joint projects and investment commitments are expected during the G7 meetings and at the VivaTech conference in Paris later in the visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bharat Innovates programme in Nice alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting innovation, investment, and India-France cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the Bharat Innovates programme in Nice, France, marking a key engagement during his ongoing visit to the European nation. The event, inaugurated alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together startups, investors, venture capital firms, research institutions and technology leaders from India, France and several other countries.

The Bharat Innovates programme is aimed at strengthening collaboration in innovation, emerging technologies and investment while creating new opportunities for startups and research-driven enterprises. The initiative is also being seen as an important step in deepening economic and technological ties between India and France.

Focus on Innovation

Held at the Palais des Expositions in Nice, the programme serves as a platform for connecting Indian startups, educational institutions and research organisations with global investors and industry leaders. Officials associated with the event said the initiative seeks to accelerate innovation-led partnerships and encourage cross-border investment in high-growth sectors.

Before the formal launch, Prime Minister Modi interacted with investors and representatives of venture capital funds participating in the summit. Discussions reportedly focused on technology-driven growth, entrepreneurship and expanding collaboration between innovation ecosystems in the two countries.

Warm Welcome in Nice

Modi arrived in France late on Saturday night (IST) and received a warm reception from members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside his hotel. Cultural performances were organised as part of the welcome ceremony, reflecting India's diverse traditions.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister spent time greeting community members and was seen affectionately interacting with a young child. Many members of the diaspora also expressed their enthusiasm about his visit, with several families attending the event despite the late hour.

The visit marks Modi's seventh trip to France since assuming office in 2014, underlining the growing strategic significance of the bilateral relationship.

Key Engagements Ahead

The Prime Minister's France visit is part of a broader six-day tour covering France and Slovakia from June 13 to June 18. During the French leg, he is scheduled to visit Nice, Evian and Paris.

A major engagement on the itinerary is the G7 Summit in Evian, where Modi has been invited as a guest leader. The summit agenda is expected to include discussions on geopolitical tensions, global economic cooperation, artificial intelligence, maritime security and developments in the Middle East.

Officials have indicated that the Prime Minister will hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Among the closely watched interactions is an expected meeting with US President Donald Trump, which would be their first in-person engagement in over a year.

Slovakia Visit

Following engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The visit is significant as it marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became independent in 1993.

Diplomatic observers view the visit as part of India's broader effort to strengthen engagement with European partners beyond the continent's major powers.

Strategic Partnership Expands

India and France have steadily expanded cooperation across defence, space, energy, technology and education. France remains one of India's key strategic partners and a major defence supplier.

The two countries have also worked closely on global issues, including climate action, maritime security and reform of international institutions. France has repeatedly expressed support for India's aspirations for a greater role in global governance forums.

With Bharat Innovates bringing together innovators, investors and policymakers, officials hope the initiative will add a new dimension to the partnership by fostering deeper collaboration in entrepreneurship and advanced technologies.

As discussions continue in Nice and the G7 Summit approaches, the Bharat Innovates programme is expected to remain a focal point of India's innovation diplomacy and its growing engagement with global technology ecosystems.