AI-Powered Entrepreneurship Surge in America: The Rise of Solopreneurs

Citadel Securities' head of macro strategy Frank Flight emphasized in a July 4 note that artificial intelligence is accelerating American entrepreneurship and strengthening the 'hustle culture.' Following the pandemic, new business applications hit 5.6 million in 2025 compared to 3.5 million in 2019. AI adoption, particularly among lawyers, advertisers, and white-collar professionals, is lowering entry barriers and enabling solo entrepreneurs ('solopreneurs') to drive 7% of U.S. economic activity, with 30 million solopreneurs contributing significantly.

AI as the Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Velocity

■New business applications surged to 5.6 million in 2025 from 3.5 million in 2019.

■Large language models streamline tasks like business planning and customer outreach for solopreneurs.

■Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Slok highlights AI's pivotal role in unprecedented business creation.

■Small businesses employ 46% of American workers, with solopreneurs representing 7% of total economic output.

Markets are observing how AI-driven entrepreneurship reduces operational costs and accelerates scalability, particularly in tech and service sectors. The solopreneur model’s growth potential aligns closely with short-term profitability goals, offering fresh opportunities for investors.